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LAHORE, Dec 31 (APP): The Punjab government has disbursed interest-free loans worth Rs70 billion to promote entrepreneurship and small businesses under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Asan Business Finance and Asan Business Card Schemes during the first six months of their launch.
According to official figures, a total of 108,371 businesses have been facilitated through the schemes, significantly boosting self-employment and job creation across the province. The initiative reflects the economic vision of PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, aimed at strengthening small and medium enterprises and promoting inclusive growth.
In Phase-I, 4,238 applicants received interest-free loans amounting to Rs16.31 billion, while 203 women entrepreneurs were provided loans worth Rs1.82 billion to support female-led businesses. Sector-wise disbursement shows Rs40.3 billion allocated to the agriculture sector, Rs33.8 billion to trade, Rs4.27 billion to transport, and Rs6.3 billion to manufacturing and other sectors.
Under the Asan Business Card Scheme, 104,131 cards have been issued so far, with loan cards amounting to Rs44 billion, enabling small shopkeepers, vendors, and home-based workers to access easy financing.
Meanwhile, Phase-II of the Asan Business Finance Scheme is set to begin soon, under which Rs90 billion in interest-free loans will be provided. On the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, four special schemes have also been launched to promote ease of doing business and regional development, including separate programmes for North, Central, and South Punjab.
To enhance exports, the government has additionally introduced Asan Business and Export Finance for SMCs, offering interest-free loans of up to Rs50 million.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that the schemes have directly benefited small shopkeepers, vendors, and home industries, creating new livelihood opportunities. She described Asan Business Finance and Asan Business Card as part of the economic vision of Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, stating that growth of small businesses strengthens the urban economy and improves the lives of workers.
She added that Punjab possesses immense business potential, which the government is committed to utilising fully through sustained support for entrepreneurship and economic activity.