A shopkeeper in Gujranwala who needs stock before Eid does not want a three-week bank process. The Asaan Karobar Card was designed for exactly that: a revolving, interest-free business credit line on a Bank of Punjab card.
The scheme has attracted huge interest, but the key 2026 question is simple. Can new applicants still apply?
Quick Overview
- Interest-free credit of up to Rs1 million for small entrepreneurs, delivered as a digital SME card.
- Three-year scheme with a three-month grace period. Borrower mark-up is 0 per cent, subsidised by the Punjab government.
- Application processing fee: Rs500. Annual card fee: Rs25,000 plus FED, deducted from the approved limit.
- Helpline: 1786.
- A report in September 2026 said the card portal shows that registration of applications has stopped.
What Is the Card?
The government describes it as a clean, interest-free facility to help existing and prospective small entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses. Spending runs through digital channels such as a mobile app or POS, which limits cash use and reduces diversion of funds.
Up to 25 per cent of the limit can be withdrawn as cash for business purposes, according to a report on the launch.
Who Is Eligible?
- Age 21 to 57
- Pakistani national resident in Punjab, with a valid CNIC
- Existing or prospective business located in Punjab
- Mobile phone registered in your own name
- One application per individual and business
- Creditworthy, with no overdue loans, plus a psychometric and digital verification, according to a report
Benefits and Repayment
- Maximum limit: Rs1 million
- Revolving credit for 12 months, with a total loan tenure of three years
- Repayment starts after a three-month grace period. The minimum monthly payment is 5 per cent of the outstanding principal
- Life assurance, card issuance and delivery are covered by the scheme
- Registration with PRA or FBR is mandatory within six months of card issuance
- Physical verification of premises by the Urban Unit within six months and annually afterwards
Note that official pages describe repayment slightly differently, mentioning 33 monthly instalments on one and 24 instalments after the first year on another. Read your agreement.
How Applications Worked
- Create an account on the PITB portal at akc.punjab.gov.pk.
- Complete the form and upload documents.
- Pay the Rs500 processing fee.
- Verification by authorised agencies.
- Bank of Punjab issues and delivers the card.
- Activate it and use it through approved channels.
Documents Required
- CNIC
- Mobile number in your name
- Business details and proof of premises, where requested
- Bank account details
Important 2026 Status
New registrations reportedly stopped. Verify on the portal.
The cabinet approved the card and its sibling scheme on 14 January 2025, and applications opened two days later. A September 2026 explainer says the portal states that registration has stopped, while the larger finance scheme was in a second phase. That is a secondary source.
The government’s own target was to support over 100,000 enterprises with about Rs48 billion, backed by an Rs8.5 billion subsidy budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the annual card fee deducted from the limit
- Missing PRA or FBR registration after approval
- Withdrawing cash beyond the permitted share
- Using unofficial websites for “resubmission”
- Forgetting the monthly minimum payment after grace
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply today?
Reports say registration is stopped. Check akc.punjab.gov.pk.
Is it truly interest-free?
Yes for the borrower, since the government pays the mark-up. Fees still apply.
What if I need more than Rs1 million?
See Asaan Karobar Finance, which goes up to Rs30 million.
Can farmers use it?
Farm machinery has its own hi-tech mechanization financing.
Who can I call?
The helpline is 1786.
Final Takeaway
The card is a useful working-capital tool, but the fee, compliance duties and repayment rules are not trivial. Confirm status first, and read every clause.
This is an independent informational guide and is not an official government website.
