Punjab Government Disburses Rs61 Billion in Business Loans to Over 107,000 Entrepreneurs, Empowering Women and Boosting Small Enterprises
Key Takeaways:
1. Historic Business Growth: Punjab launched a record 58,000 new businesses in 90 days, supported by Rs61 billion in loans.
2. Women Empowerment: Over 6,700 women entrepreneurs received Rs3.4 billion in loans, highlighting gender-inclusive economic development.
3. Diverse Sector Support: Loans were distributed across multiple sectors including agriculture, transportation, trading, and professional services, fostering broad-based economic activity.
Lahore, Pakistan – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a historic milestone as the provincial government facilitated the launch of approximately 58,000 new businesses within just 90 days through the ‘Aasan Karobar Finance’ initiative. Over 107,000 individuals received loans totaling Rs61 billion, marking a significant boost to entrepreneurship and economic activity in Punjab.
During a special briefing in Lahore, CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted that this achievement is unprecedented in Punjab’s history. She emphasized the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, noting that 6,753 women secured loans worth Rs3.4 billion to start and expand their own businesses. The Chief Minister urged authorities to expedite the approval process for pending applications under the ‘Aasan Karobar Finance’ and ‘Karobar Card’ schemes to maintain momentum.
The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) Managing Director, Sara Umar, presented detailed progress, revealing that 3,010 individuals obtained loans amounting to Rs18 billion under the Easy Business Finance Scheme, while 104,000 entrepreneurs accessed Rs43 billion through the Easy Business Card Scheme. The schemes have supported a diverse range of sectors including transportation, trading, agriculture, dairy, food, beautification, and professional services.
CM Maryam Nawaz also directed the development of WhatsApp-based activation for the Easy Business Card, aiming to simplify access further. She underscored the importance of continuing these programs without interruption and called for tailored loan plans to support export and manufacturing sectors, crucial for Pakistan’s broader economic growth.
