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We explain the scheme in plain language. Applications are handled only on the official portal linked below. We never collect CNICs, documents, payments, or credentials.
Every small shopkeeper in Punjab knows the same frustration: the bank wants collateral you don’t have, and the moneylender wants 5% a month. The Asaan Karobar Card cuts through both — up to Rs 1 million, interest-free, for small businesses. And if your plans are bigger, there’s a second tier most people don’t know about. Here’s the full picture.
Card vs Finance — know which one is yours
This is where most confusion happens, so let’s clear it first:
- Asaan Karobar Card: up to Rs 1 million, interest-free — for small businesses, shops, and startups. Official portal: akc.punjab.gov.pk
- Asaan Karobar Finance: up to Rs 3 crore — for larger enterprises with bigger plans. Official portal: akf.punjab.gov.pk
Apply for the tier that matches your actual business size. Applying for Rs 3 crore with a corner shop plan (or Rs 1 million for a factory) just slows you down.
Who is eligible? (Card tier)
- Punjab domicile, valid CNIC, age 21+ (typical; confirm current criteria on the portal).
- A real business or a concrete business plan — new startups are welcome, but “I might do something” isn’t a plan. Write down what you’ll sell, to whom, and what it costs.
- Clean-ish credit history helps; the program is designed to be more forgiving than commercial banks, but defaults on previous government loans count against you.
How to apply
- Go to akc.punjab.gov.pk (for the Card) or akf.punjab.gov.pk (for Finance).
- Register with your CNIC and mobile number.
- Describe your business / business plan clearly — this is the heart of your application. Be specific: what you sell, expected monthly revenue, how the loan will be used.
- Upload CNIC, business details, and required documents.
- Stuck? Call the helpline: 1786.
Make your application strong
- Specificity wins: “grocery store in Model Town, Rs 80,000/month expected” beats “general store business” every time.
- Show the loan’s job: explain exactly what the money buys (stock, equipment, shop advance) — vague “business expansion” is weak.
- Keep your phone on: verification calls come from official numbers; missing them delays everything.
Stay safe
Business-loan schemes attract “consultants” charging Rs 10,000–30,000 to “prepare your file.” The application is free and designed to be filled by the applicant. Pay a consultant only if you genuinely can’t do paperwork yourself — and never pay anyone who guarantees approval.
Quick facts
- Card tier: up to Rs 1 million, interest-free (akc.punjab.gov.pk)
- Finance tier: up to Rs 3 crore (akf.punjab.gov.pk)
- Helpline: 1786
More business and youth schemes? See our complete Punjab Government Schemes 2026 list.
Last reviewed: October 11, 2026. Terms are announced on the official portals — always confirm there.