Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has increased the maximum loan limit under the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Schemes from Rs. 7.5 million to Rs. 25 million. The decision aims to provide young people with greater financial support to start businesses and invest in agriculture.
The prime minister has also directed authorities to reduce the minimum eligibility age from 21 to 18 years. This change will allow more young Pakistanis to apply for financing and explore business opportunities.
Another major decision is the allocation of 30 per cent of loans for women. The government has directed relevant departments to ensure that female applicants receive opportunities under the programme.
How to Apply for the PM Youth Loan Scheme
Young people interested in obtaining a business or agriculture loan can apply through the official online portal. Applicants do not need to submit paper application forms.
The application process involves the following steps:
- Visit the official PM Youth Programme application portal.
- Enter your valid CNIC details and date of birth. These details will be verified through NADRA.
- Select the loan tier according to your business or agricultural financing requirements.
- Choose a participating commercial or Islamic bank from the available options.
- Provide your personal information, business or agriculture plan, and financial details.
- Upload the required documents, including your CNIC, passport-size photograph and business feasibility report, where applicable.
- Review the information carefully before submitting the application.
After submission, a representative from the selected bank may contact the applicant for further processing.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Applicants must have a valid CNIC and reside in Pakistan. Following the prime minister’s latest directive, the minimum eligibility age is being reduced to 18 years.
People interested in starting IT and e-commerce businesses can also apply if they have at least a matriculation certificate or an equivalent qualification.
Government employees and financial defaulters are not eligible for the scheme. Certain restrictions also apply to employees of the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL).
Applicants should check the updated requirements on the official portal and confirm the revised age criteria with their selected bank before applying.
PM Youth Loan Scheme: Loan Tiers and Markup Rates
The programme offers financing through three categories, with different loan limits and markup rates.
- Tier 1: Loans of up to Rs. 1 million with zero markup.
- Tier 2: Loans of up to Rs. 10 million with a 5 per cent markup.
- Tier 3: Loans of up to Rs. 25 million with a 7 per cent markup.
The increase in the maximum financing limit will allow eligible applicants to seek larger amounts for business expansion, agricultural activities and other approved projects.
SMEDA to Provide Support to Young Entrepreneurs
The prime minister has directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to provide assistance to young people applying under the schemes.
The support will include business guidance, consultancy, technical services and help with setting up new businesses. These services are intended to help applicants prepare their business plans and improve their chances of establishing successful ventures.
Shehbaz Sharif has also ordered a nationwide awareness campaign to inform young people about the available financing opportunities and application process.
Over 581,000 Young People Have Received Loans
During the review meeting, officials informed the prime minister that 581,341 young people had received loans worth Rs. 313.9 billion since January 2023.
According to the briefing, the number of beneficiaries was around ten times higher than the figure recorded during the preceding ten years.
Officials further reported that Rs. 292 billion had been allocated for the 2026-27 financial year. This funding is expected to provide loans to approximately 266,700 young people.
The prime minister praised Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and his team for their efforts to support young people seeking business and agricultural opportunities.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan and Special Assistant on Political Affairs Talha Burki also attended the meeting.
With the increased loan limit, lower minimum age and reserved share for women, the government aims to expand access to financing and encourage more young Pakistanis to establish businesses and contribute to the country’s economy.
