Maryam introduces Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme

LAHOREFAISALABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the ‘CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme and Asaan Karobar Card’ here on Thursday.

In her address at the inauguration ceremony of the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “Under the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme, interest-free loans ranging from Rs5 lakh to Rs3 crore will be provided. Payments will be made in installments. Loans between Rs5 lakh and Rs10 lakh will be offered through the Asaan Karobar Card. Those interested in benefiting from these schemes can apply online today. Additional information can be obtained via the helpline at 1786.”

She said, “The Punjab government has launched these revolutionary schemes to promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province.

These schemes have the potential to transform the future of both Punjab and Pakistan. The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme and Asaan Karobar Card are the first and unique initiatives by the Punjab government, marking a significant step toward promoting business activities in the province.”

CM Maryam Nawaz said, “To enhance the country’s exports, more incentives will be offered to establish industries in export processing zones. Solar systems worth Rs50 lakh will be provided free of charge to those setting up industries in these zones. Before the PMLN government came to power, the country’s economy was on the brink of collapse, and the risk of Pakistan defaulting was imminent.”

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stressed the pivotal role of youth in shaping Pakistan’s future, reaffirming the government’s steadfast commitment to empowering them for this responsibility. She made these remarks while addressing a ceremony at the Government College University, Faisalabad, where scholarships were distributed under the ‘Honahar Scholarship Scheme’ on Thursday.

During her speech, Maryam Nawaz highlighted the importance of resilience and dedication, sharing personal experiences of adversity, including months of solitary confinement. She reiterated her focus on national development over seeking vengeance against political rivals.

“If I were to incite hatred or destruction, I would be betraying your future,” she said, urging students to pursue constructive paths rather than succumb to destructive influences.

She encouraged students to regard their education as a sacred trust, recognising the sacrifices their parents make to secure their future.

The chief minister criticised political opponents for misleading the youth into violence and chaos, adding, “Those who led these children astray have abandoned them now. We must think about their future with the same care and concern as their parents.”

She announced the expansion of ‘Honahar Scholarship Scheme,’ increasing the number of scholarships to 50,000 next year, which will also benefit students in their second and third years of college. Highlighting the programme’s impact, she said that 60% of the current scholarship recipients are female students.

Maryam Nawaz also unveiled future initiatives to enhance access to quality education in Punjab, such as the establishment of Nawaz Sharif Internet City in Lahore, which will include an Education City featuring campuses of world-class universities.

Additionally, Punjab’s first Artificial Intelligence University will be constructed to equip students with expertise in AI, robotics, and advanced technologies.

“The Honahar Scholarship Scheme is Pakistan’s largest merit-based scholarship program, paving the way for a brighter, more educated future for Punjab’s youth,” she stated.