LAHORE BUSINESS BOOM: Punjab Issues Record Number of Loans Worth Rs 23.91 Billion to New Businesses in Just 90 Days

Lahore, May 18, 2025 - In a major initiative to boost entrepreneurship in Punjab, the provincial government has issued loans worth a record-breaking Rs 23.91 billion to start over 57,813 new businesses in just 90 days, announced Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

The announcement was made during a special meeting where she emphasized the importance of easy business finance and easy business card schemes, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. For the first time, 6,753 women have taken loans worth Rs 3.42 billion to establish their own businesses, exceeding all expectations.

Chairing the meeting, CM Sharif directed authorities concerned to expedite the process of pending applications for easy business finance and card loans as early as possible. She also sought a comprehensive plan for export and manufacturing sector loans to further support local businesses.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif was briefed by MD PSIC Sara Umar on the progress of Easy Business Scheme, which so far has issued loans worth Rs 18 billion under Chief Minister Easy Business Finance, with over 3,010 people benefiting. Under the Chief Minister Easy Business Card Scheme, 104,000 people have received loans worth Rs 43 billion.

Some key highlights from the meeting include:

• 2,505 applications for easy business finance have been approved, with loans distributed to the recipients.
• 5,105 applications for tier II business have been approved, with loans distributed to the recipients.
• 104,133 applications for Easy Business Card Scheme – a program aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs – have been approved.

The CM was informed that over 1,312 individuals received loans worth Rs 3.91 billion for transportation and trading businesses in addition to 175 people receiving loans of Rs 3.94 billion for distribution businesses.

She added, "We are working towards fostering an ecosystem that offers incentives and benefits to entrepreneurs. With Easy Business Finance and Easy Business Card schemes, we're promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, female empowerment, and inclusive economic growth."

In related news, CM Sharif also instructed authorities to activate easy business card through WhatsApp.