The Maryam Nawaz loan scheme 2026 is a popular name for the Punjab government’s interest-free loan programs. The main ones are Asaan Karobar Finance and the Asaan Karobar Card for business owners. There are also Apni Chhat Apna Ghar loans for homes. This guide explains the loan amounts, who can apply, the documents you need and the latest update.
Under Asaan Karobar Finance, business loans of Rs1 million to Rs30 million are given at 0% interest through the Bank of Punjab. The Asaan Karobar Card gives up to Rs1 million. Apply only on official Punjab government portals. Check the portal for the current application window.
What Is the Maryam Nawaz Loan Scheme?
People use this name for several loan programs started under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Officially, the loans go by other names. There are three main programs:
| Program | Who it is for | Maximum amount |
|---|---|---|
| Asaan Karobar Finance | Small and medium businesses (SMEs) | Rs30 million |
| Asaan Karobar Card | Small entrepreneurs | Rs1 million |
| Apni Chhat Apna Ghar | Families who own a plot | Rs1.5 million |
Many websites show different loan amounts and interest rates. Some claim a 3% to 9% markup. The official Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) page says borrowers pay 0% and the Punjab government pays the markup. This guide follows official pages and mainstream news.
Asaan Karobar Finance: Loan Amount and Terms
The Chief Minister launched this scheme in January 2025. The money can be used to start or grow a business. The PSIC page lists these uses: a new business, modernization, expansion, working capital and leasing commercial vehicles.
The scheme has two tiers.
| Detail | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Loan size | Rs1 million to Rs5 million | Rs5 million to Rs30 million |
| Guarantee | Personal guarantee | Secured loan (collateral) |
| Processing fee | Rs5,000 | Rs10,000 |
| Your own share | None | 20%, or 10% for women, transgender and differently abled applicants |
| Repayment | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years |
Some launch reports say Tier 2 starts at Rs6 million. The PSIC page says Rs5 million. Check the portal for the exact limit when you apply.
The grace period is 6 months for new businesses and 3 months for existing ones. Repayment is in equal monthly installments. A late charge of Rs1 per Rs1,000 per day applies on overdue amounts.
Asaan Karobar Card: Up to Rs1 Million
The Asaan Karobar Card works like a digital SME card. It is not a cash loan.
- The maximum limit is Rs1 million.
- You can use it for supplier payments, utility bills, government fees and taxes.
- Cash withdrawal is allowed up to 25% of the limit.
- The processing fee is Rs500 and the annual card fee is Rs25,000 plus FED.
The two official pages describe repayment differently. PSIC says 3 years with a 3-month grace period and 33 monthly installments. The Punjab government page says the card revolves for 12 months, then the balance is repaid in 24 installments. Both give a total time of about 3 years. Read the terms on the portal before you accept.
Eligibility for Maryam Nawaz Business Loans
The eligibility criteria for Asaan Karobar Finance on the PSIC page are:
- Age between 25 and 55 years
- A clean ECIB credit history
- A valid CNIC and a valid NTN
- Owned or rented business premises for working capital, expansion and modernization loans
A news report at launch gave the age range as 21 to 57 years. The Asaan Karobar Card page uses 21 to 57 years. So the age limit may differ by program. Follow the limit shown on the portal.
For the card, you must be a Pakistani national living in Punjab. Your mobile number must be registered in your own name. Only one application per person and business is allowed.
The Chief Minister said there is no need to get an NOC, licence or plan approved before applying.
Documents Required
Keep clear scans or photos of these documents:
- CNIC and a passport-size photo
- Proof of active tax filer status
- Business income and expense details
- Rent agreement or property papers for business and home
- CNIC copies and phone numbers of your references
Tier 2 applicants also need collateral papers. Examples are a property transfer letter or government securities.
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps.
- Open the official portal. For finance, use akf.punjab.gov.pk. For the card, use akc.punjab.gov.pk.
- Create an account with your CNIC-linked mobile number.
- Fill in the form. Keep at least 15 minutes free.
- Upload your documents.
- Pay the non-refundable processing fee.
- Submit and save your registration number.
You get the registration number on screen and by SMS. You also get SMS updates on your status. For help, call the helpline 1786.
Latest Update and Current Status
As of 19 September 2026, the program is running. On 7 August 2026, Punjab’s Industries Minister said the second phase of Asaan Karobar Finance is giving Rs90 billion in interest-free loans through four windows. The windows are Central Punjab, North Punjab, South Punjab and an export finance window for SMEs.
He gave these numbers:
- 4,462 people have received Rs53.70 billion under the four windows.
- Rs70 billion has been given to 108,371 businesses under the finance and card schemes.
- A new Rs300 billion program is planned for October. It would give interest-free loans of Rs100 million to Rs5 billion. The Chief Minister has not yet formally launched it.
I could not open the official portal to confirm whether every window is accepting new applications today. Official information on a last date is not available yet. Some websites show a deadline, but they do not cite an official notice. The new Rs300 billion program is for large industrial projects. It is not for small shops.
Apni Chhat Apna Ghar: Home Loans
This is a separate housing program.
- It began in August 2024 and gives interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million to build a home on your own land.
- The loan is repaid over nine years.
- You can apply at acag.punjab.gov.pk or at DC and AC offices. The helpline is 0800-09100.
- A newer repair scheme gives Rs500,000 to strengthen a roof, and up to Rs1 million for extra rooms or a new floor.
Some approved applicants in Vehari said in a news report that they were still waiting for their first installment. Delays can happen, so keep your papers ready.
Important Information
- Use only official Punjab government websites. Fake sites copy scheme names to collect data.
- Never pay anyone to “approve” your loan. The only fees on the PSIC pages are the processing fee and, for the card, the annual card fee.
- Interest-free means 0% markup. You still repay the full principal.
- Loan amounts on unofficial websites often do not match official pages. Trust the portal.
FAQs
Is the Maryam Nawaz loan scheme really interest-free?
Yes for borrowers. The Punjab government pays the markup to the Bank of Punjab. You repay the principal and pay the listed fees.
What is the maximum loan under the scheme?
Asaan Karobar Finance goes up to Rs30 million. The Asaan Karobar Card goes up to Rs1 million. Higher amounts seen online are not on the official pages I checked.
Do I need collateral?
Tier 1 needs a personal guarantee. Tier 2 is a secured loan.
Can I apply without a tax number?
For Asaan Karobar Finance, no. A valid NTN is required.
Is there a last date to apply?
No official last date has been confirmed in the sources I checked. Watch the portal and official announcements.
How do I check my application status?
You get SMS updates and can check status on the official website. You can also call 1786.
Is Phase 2 open now?
The minister said in August 2026 that the second phase is under way. I could not verify which windows are open today. Check the portal.
Can women apply?
Yes. Women get a lower own-share of 10% under Tier 2.
