Quick Guide: Apply for Punjab’s Asaan Karobar Card Loan in 5 Easy Steps

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a transformative financial initiative—the Asaan Karobar Card (AKC Punjab)—to fuel the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the province. Designed to empower local entrepreneurs, the scheme provides interest-free loans of up to PKR 1 million, helping businesses expand, stimulate economic activity, and generate employment opportunities.

What is the Asaan Karobar Card?

The Asaan Karobar Card (AKC Punjab), popularly referred to as the Maryam Nawaz Loan Scheme, is a digital credit program aimed at empowering small business owners across Punjab. Designed as a revolving credit facility, it provides entrepreneurs with quick and easy access to funds for daily business expenses—without interest charges and with flexible repayment options.

This initiative is tailored to help small traders, shopkeepers, and startups overcome financial hurdles, allowing them to sustain and grow their businesses with greater ease. Whether it’s restocking inventory, upgrading equipment, or covering operational costs, the Asaan Karobar Card offers a hassle-free financial lifeline to Punjab’s small-scale entrepreneurs.

Key Benefits of the Maryam Nawaz Loan Scheme

Feature	Details
Loan Amount	Up to PKR 1 million
Tenure	3 years (with 12-month revolving credit)
Repayment	24 equal monthly installments after the first year
Grace Period	3 months from card issuance
Interest Rate	0%
Cash Withdrawal Limit	Up to 25% of the loan limit
Eligible Expenses	Vendor payments, utility bills, taxes, and business-related cash needs

Eligibility Requirements for the Asaan Karobar Card

To apply for the Asaan Karobar Card (AKC Punjab), applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality & Age: Pakistani citizen between 21 and 57 years old.
• Residency & Documentation: Permanent resident of Punjab with a valid CNIC.
• Business Status: Must operate an existing business or have a viable business proposal within Punjab.
• Financial Standing: No history of loan defaults or overdue payments.
• Credit Evaluation: Must successfully pass a creditworthiness and psychometric assessment.

Important Note: Only one application per individual or business is permitted under this scheme.

Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Maryam Nawaz Asaan Karobar Card Loan

The Asaan Karobar Card (AKC Punjab), launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, offers interest-free loans up to PKR 1 million to small business owners across Punjab. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you successfully apply for this financial assistance program.

BISP 8171 Qist Payment Update April 2025

Step 1: Registration on the Official AKC Punjab Portal

1. Visit the Official Website

Go to the Asaan Karobar Card Portal:
👉 https://akc.punjab.gov.pk/login

2. Click “Register Now”

• You will see a registration form requiring:
  • Mobile Number (must be registered under your name for OTP verification)
  • Full Name (as per CNIC)
  • Father’s Name
  • CNIC Number (without hyphens)
  • Date of Birth (DD-MM-YYYY)

3. Create a Strong Password

• Password must contain:
  • At least 8 characters
  • 1 uppercase letter (A-Z)
  • 1 number (0-9)
  • 1 special character (!, @, #, etc.)

4. Verify via OTP

• Enter the 6-digit OTP sent to your mobile number.
• Once verified, your account will be created.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

After logging in, fill out the following sections carefully:

1. Personal Information

• Residential Address (with proof if required)
• Family Details (number of dependents)
• Educational Qualification
• Previous Business Experience (if any)

2. Business Details

• Nature of Business (retail, manufacturing, services, etc.)
• Business Registration Status (registered or unregistered)
• Monthly Revenue & Expenses
• Number of Employees (if applicable)
• Business Location (complete address)

3. Loan Requirements

• Loan Amount (between PKR 100,000 to 1,000,000)
• Loan Purpose (auto-filled as “Working Capital”)

💡 Pro Tip: Save your progress frequently to avoid data loss.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

You must upload clear scanned copies of:

Mandatory Documents

1. CNIC (Front & Back) – Must be valid and clearly visible.
2. Business Proof (if available):
   • Shop license
   • Chamber of Commerce registration
   • Utility bill under business name

Supporting Documents (Optional but Recommended)

• 1-2 Years of Bank Statements (to strengthen your application)
• Tax Returns (if applicable)

⚠️ Note: Blurry or incomplete documents may lead to rejection.

Step 4: Pay the Processing Fee

• A non-refundable PKR 500 fee must be paid before submission.
• Payment Methods:
  • Mobile Banking (JazzCash, EasyPaisa, etc.)
  • ATM Transfer
  • Bank Counter Deposit (via 1Bill Invoice)

How to Pay?

1. The portal will generate a 19-digit PSID (Payment Slip ID).
2. Use this PSID to pay via:
   • JazzCash/EasyPaisa: Go to “Pay Bills” > “1Bill” > Enter PSID.
   • ATM/Bank: Select “1Bill Payment” and enter the PSID.

✅ Confirmation: Keep the payment receipt for future reference.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

• Review all details before final submission.
• Click “Submit” to complete the process.
• Save the confirmation slip containing your application number.

⚠️ Important:

• If the “Submit” button is disabled, your application is already submitted.
• No further edits can be made after submission.

After Submission – What’s Next?

1. Verification Process
   • Your application will be reviewed by Punjab Bank and the government.
   • A credit & psychometric assessment will be conducted.
2. Approval Notification
   • If approved, you will receive an SMS or portal notification.
   • Funds will be disbursed to your registered bank account.
3. Loan Disbursement
   • The approved amount will be transferred within 7-14 working days.
   • You can access funds via the Asaan Karobar Card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Need Help? Contact AKC Punjab Support

📞 Helpline: 0800-12345 (Toll-Free)
📧 Email: support@akc.punjab.gov.pk
🏦 Visit Nearest Punjab Bank Branch

Karobar Card Loan Repayment & Usage Rules

• First 50% of Funds: Released immediately; use within 6 months.
• Second 50%: Released after consistent repayments and PRA/FBR registration.
• Repayment Schedule:
  • Grace Period: 3 months (no payments).
  • After the Grace Period: Start repaying 5% of the principal monthly.
  • Year 2–3: Repay the remaining balance in 24 equal installments.
• Funds can only be used for business expenses (e.g., blocked for personal use).
• Registration with Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) is mandatory within 6 months.

Asaan Karobar Card: Charges, Fees & Essential Tips

The Asaan Karobar Card (AKC Punjab) offers interest-free loans up to PKR 1 million, but applicants should be aware of the associated fees and charges before applying. Below is a detailed breakdown of costs, support options, and key tips for a successful application.

📌 Charges & Fees

1. Annual Card Fee

• PKR 25,000 + FED (Federal Excise Duty)
• This fee is automatically deducted from the loan amount upon disbursement.
• Example: If approved for PKR 500,000, you will receive PKR 475,000 after deduction.

2. Covered by the Scheme

✅ Life Insurance (for the borrower)
✅ Card Issuance & Delivery (no extra cost)

3. Late Payment Charges

• If repayments are delayed, standard bank penalties will apply.
• Exact charges depend on the partner bank’s policies.

📌 Final Tips Before Applying

To ensure a smooth and successful application, follow these key steps:

✔ Double-Check All Information

• Ensure name, CNIC, business details, and loan amount are 100% accurate.
• Any errors can lead to delays or rejection.

✔ Prepare Required Documents in Advance

• CNIC (Front & Back) – Clear scanned copies.
• Business Proof (if available) – Shop license, utility bill, or tax record.
• Bank Statements (1-2 years recommended for stronger approval chances).

✔ New Business? Conduct a Feasibility Study

• Use free resources from:
  • Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC)
  • Board of Investment (BOI) Punjab
• Helps in justifying loan requirements for startups.

✔ Submit Early & Track Your Application

• Processing may take 2-4 weeks, so apply as soon as possible.
• Keep your application number safe for tracking.

🚀 Why Apply for the Asaan Karobar Card?

✅ Interest-Free Loan (No markup)
✅ No Collateral Required
✅ Quick Digital Application
✅ Supports Business Growth & Job Creation

💡 Don’t Miss Out! This is a risk-free opportunity for small entrepreneurs in Punjab to expand their businesses without financial stress.

👉 Apply Now: https://akc.punjab.gov.pk

(Got questions? Call 1786 or comment below!) 🚀