Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Scheme Phase 2 Launches for SMEs in New Cities 2025
Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Scheme Phase 2 is designed to unlock affordable credit up to PKR 1 million for equipment purchases, working capital, e-commerce setup, and store refurbishments. The card-based model ensures every rupee is traceable—from disbursement to vendor payments—through biometric verification, SMS alerts, and a PITB-powered dashboard, giving entrepreneurs speed, safety, and flexibility to scale.
In a landmark move to strengthen Punjab’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the launch of Phase 2 of the CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Scheme 2025.
The program, designed to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through interest-free and low-cost financing, is being expanded to new cities across Punjab following the overwhelming success of Phase 1.
💳 What is the CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Scheme?
The CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card is a flagship initiative under the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) and the Bank of Punjab (BOP). It provides financial support, digital access to credit, and transparent repayment systems for small business owners.
Under the scheme, entrepreneurs can access loans of up to PKR 1 million to grow or start their businesses, invest in machinery, manage working capital, and create employment.
During Phase 1, over 104,133 SME borrowers received financing of PKR 41.17 billion, achieving a 96% repayment rate — an extraordinary success that has motivated the government to broaden the program’s reach.
Check Also: Punjab Government Disburses PKR 276 Billion Under CM Financial Inclusion Programs 2025
🌆 Punjab Expands Asaan Karobar Card Scheme to New Cities
The Phase 2 expansion of the Asaan Karobar Card Program will now include SME clusters in new urban centers such as:
- Sialkot (industrial manufacturing hub)
- Bahawalpur (emerging agro-based businesses)
- Rawalpindi and Islamabad periphery (tech and service startups)
- Sheikhupura and Sahiwal (food processing and logistics)
- Gujrat and Hafizabad (furniture and craft manufacturing)
This expansion aligns with CM Maryam Nawaz’s broader Vision 2025 to promote inclusive economic growth and digital financial empowerment across Punjab’s cities and districts.
📈 Achievements from Phase 1 of the Asaan Karobar Card
Before Phase 2, the Asaan Karobar Card Phase 1 brought remarkable economic benefits:
- 💼 104,133 businesses financed under SME sector.
- 💰 PKR 41.17 billion distributed through the Bank of Punjab.
- 🏦 96% recovery rate, showing strong financial discipline.
- 👩💼 45% of beneficiaries were first-time entrepreneurs.
- 🌍 Digital transaction tracking ensured zero manual corruption.
The program proved that when credit is accessible, digital, and transparent, small businesses not only survive — they thrive.
🧭 Maryam Nawaz Vision 2025 – Promoting Digital and Inclusive Finance
CM Maryam Nawaz has consistently emphasized that economic revival in Punjab depends on empowering small businesses. Her government’s Vision 2025 revolves around digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and women-led inclusion.
Speaking at the launch of Phase 2, she stated:
“Punjab’s progress lies in the hands of its small entrepreneurs. The Asaan Karobar Card ensures that every hard-working man and woman has the financial means to turn ideas into enterprises.”
This scheme also supports Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s national SME revival policy, aligning provincial and federal efforts to promote economic self-reliance.
Check Also: Punjab Disburses PKR 96.5 Billion Loans Under CM Kissan Card Program 2025
🏦 Role of the Bank of Punjab (BOP) in Asaan Karobar Card Phase 2
The Bank of Punjab (BOP) continues to serve as the executing partner of the Asaan Karobar Card Scheme. All loans, repayments, and vendor transactions are managed digitally through BOP’s integrated SME finance platform.
Key BOP Services:
- Digital onboarding and biometric verification.
- Real-time loan tracking and repayment alerts.
- Data integration with NADRA and PITB.
- Vendor and business verification system.
Through these measures, BOP ensures accountability and speed, enabling entrepreneurs to receive financing within 10–15 working days of approval.
💼 What Entrepreneurs Can Do with Asaan Karobar Financing
The Asaan Karobar Card isn’t just for existing business owners — it’s equally beneficial for startups and micro-entrepreneurs.
Eligible applicants can use their BOP-issued Asaan Karobar Card to:
- Purchase business equipment or tools.
- Pay for shop renovation or setup costs.
- Buy raw materials or expand inventory.
- Launch e-commerce or digital ventures.
- Pay utility bills or supplier dues.
The card supports diverse business categories, including manufacturing, retail, agriculture processing, food services, IT startups, and home-based businesses.
🌍 New Cities, New Opportunities for Punjab’s SMEs
Phase 2 focuses on regional industrial development and SME inclusion in underrepresented cities. For example:
- Sialkot – Leather and surgical instrument exporters.
- Bahawalpur – Agro-based food industries.
- Rawalpindi/Islamabad – IT-enabled services and tech startups.
- Sheikhupura – Textile and logistics enterprises.
- Sahiwal – Dairy and packaging industries.
This regional diversification strengthens Punjab’s overall economic resilience while generating thousands of new jobs.
👩💼 Special Focus on Women Entrepreneurs
A highlight of Phase 2 is the dedicated financing quota for women entrepreneurs.
Nearly 30% of all loans under Asaan Karobar Card Phase 2 are reserved for women-owned businesses.
Additionally, the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) and Women Chamber of Commerce are collaborating to provide business mentorship, training, and financial literacy programs for female applicants.
This marks a major step toward achieving gender-inclusive entrepreneurship and fulfilling Punjab’s Women Economic Empowerment Roadmap 2025.
Check Also: Punjab Govt Orders Immediate Closure of Schools and Universities in 6 Districts
🧾 Eligibility Criteria for Asaan Karobar Card Phase 2
To qualify for the CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a resident of Punjab with valid CNIC.
- Own or operate a small or medium business.
- Submit proof of business registration or operations.
- Have a clean credit history or microfinance record.
- Apply through BOP branches or the official SME portal.
Verification and approval are fully digital, reducing human involvement and ensuring transparency.
📲 Digital Application & Monitoring System
The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has developed a smart digital dashboard for monitoring every transaction made under the program.
Entrepreneurs can now:
- Apply online and upload documents digitally.
- Track loan status via SMS or the BOP mobile app.
- Receive automated reminders for repayments.
- Generate digital receipts for accountability.
This data-driven model has made Punjab a leader in smart governance for SME financing in South Asia.
📊 Expected Impact of Asaan Karobar Card Phase 2
According to the Punjab Finance Department, Phase 2 aims to:
- Benefit 200,000 entrepreneurs by 2026.
- Disburse over PKR 60 billion in SME financing.
- Generate 150,000+ new jobs across Punjab.
- Increase female business participation by 40%.
Such progress will significantly contribute to Punjab’s GDP growth, reduce unemployment, and enhance the province’s standing as Pakistan’s economic powerhouse.
💬 Government’s Commitment to Inclusive Development
CM Maryam Nawaz has reaffirmed her government’s dedication to transparency, digital inclusion, and grassroots empowerment.
Future plans include integrating the Asaan Karobar Card with other financial inclusion programs such as:
- CM Punjab Kissan Card (for farmers)
- Livestock Card (for rural women)
- Apni Chat Apna Ghar (for home financing)
This interconnected network will help Punjab achieve universal financial access across all sectors by 2026.
Check Also:CM Punjab Launches Livestock Card Phase 2 – Empowering Rural Women Across South Punjab 2025
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Scheme 2025:
1️⃣ What is the Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Scheme Phase 2?
The Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Scheme Phase 2 is a business financing program that offers interest-free loans up to PKR 1 million for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in newly added cities across Punjab.
2️⃣ Who is eligible for the Asaan Karobar Card Scheme?
Any resident of Punjab running a small or medium business, startup, or home-based enterprise can apply for the scheme through the Bank of Punjab (BOP) with valid CNIC and business proof.
3️⃣ Which cities are included in Phase 2 of the Asaan Karobar Card?
Phase 2 covers new business hubs such as Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Sahiwal, and Gujrat, offering SME owners easier access to government-backed financing.
4️⃣ How much loan can businesses get through the Punjab Asaan Karobar Card?
Eligible entrepreneurs can receive up to PKR 1,000,000 under the CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Scheme 2025, with flexible repayment plans and zero-interest markup.
5️⃣ What is the purpose of expanding the Asaan Karobar Card Scheme?
The Phase 2 expansion aims to boost entrepreneurship, job creation, and digital financial inclusion by bringing affordable SME financing to emerging business cities across Punjab under Maryam Nawaz Vision 2025.
✅ Conclusion – Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Scheme Phase 2
The Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Phase 2 represents more than a financial scheme — it’s a revolution in small business empowerment.
By expanding credit access to every corner of Punjab, from Sialkot’s factories to Bahawalpur’s markets, the government is creating a future where every entrepreneur can succeed — regardless of gender, location, or background.
With its strong recovery record, digital systems, and visionary leadership under Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the program is paving the way for a prosperous, self-reliant Punjab.
