CM Maryam Nawaz Launches Zero-Interest Loans and SME Opportunities in Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz unveiled the “Asaan Karobar Finance” and “Asaan Karobar Card” schemes on Thursday, aiming to boost small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and facilitate economic growth across the province.
During a high-profile event at the Chief Minister’s Office, attended by senior provincial ministers, Bank of Punjab officials, and industry leaders, CM Maryam announced interest-free loans ranging from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 30 million, repayable in easy installments under the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme. The Asaan Karobar Card scheme offers loans between Rs. 500,000 and Rs. 1 million, with applications open online via helpline 1786.
“These schemes have the potential to change the economic destiny of Punjab and Pakistan,” said Maryam Nawaz. She emphasized that the loans would be disbursed through the Bank of Punjab without requiring NOCs, licenses, or blueprints, streamlining the process for aspiring entrepreneurs.
CM Maryam highlighted other initiatives, including highly subsidized land and complimentary solar systems valued at up to Rs. 500,000 for businesses in export processing zones. “These measures ensure economic inclusivity and pave the way for SMEs to drive Punjab’s prosperity,” she added.
The chief minister also criticized the previous government’s economic management, citing high inflation and currency devaluation, and credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for stabilizing the economy and averting a default crisis.
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CM Punjab Laptop Scheme and Scholarships Announced
In a separate event at GC University Faisalabad, CM Maryam Nawaz launched the CM Punjab Laptop Scheme, distributing 40,000 laptops to students across the province. Scholarships worth Rs. 200 million were also allocated, with Rs. 17.6 million for public university students and Rs. 28.9 million for private university students in Faisalabad Division.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of education in shaping the future and praised students for their achievements. She particularly appreciated a visually impaired student, Uswa Aziz, for her flute performance of the national anthem. Students also presented her with heartfelt gifts, including a portrait of her late mother, Kulsoom Nawaz, and an embroidered dupatta.
The event marked a historic moment as female police officers provided a guard of honour, the first time such recognition was given in Punjab’s history.
Through these wide-ranging initiatives, Maryam Nawaz reiterated her government’s commitment to economic transformation, industrialization, and youth empowerment in Punjab.
