Great news for aspiring entrepreneurs across Punjab: the Asaan Karobar Finance (AKF) Scheme has officially reopened its registration in August 2025, but this time specifically for those who missed Phase I. Suppose your documents were incomplete or your application was delayed last time. In that case, this new window gives you another shot at securing interest‑free business loans from PKR 1 million up to PKR 30 million. Don’t let past glitches hold you back; you might still qualify.
Who Missed the Previous Phase
Many eligible applicants never got financed simply because of missing paperwork, technical errors, or early registration glitches. If you registered but didn’t submit your NTN, business reference, or proof of income in time, this cutoff affected you. Now Phase II is reopening to include those left out, especially women, youth, small traders, and agri-based entrepreneurs from Punjab.
What Is The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme?
The AKF scheme lets small and medium enterprises access interest-free loans. no markup, for up to five years. There are two tiers:
- Tier 1: PKR 1M to 5M (processing fee PKR 5,000, no collateral in most cases)
- Tier 2: PKR 6M to 30M (processing fee PKR 10,000, collateral required for standard cases; special categories get discounts)
Why Are Registrations Reopened Now?
The program had strong demand in early 2025, but many potential beneficiaries were left out due to missing documents or technical rejection. To reach its goal of supporting 24,000 businesses with PKR 100 billion, Phase II has been launched with additional quotas reserved for female entrepreneurs, youth, and agriculture-based ventures. This second window gives a fair chance to people who demonstrated intent but missed final clearance earlier.
Who Can Reapply?
Left‑Out Applicants
- Those who registered in Phase I but didn’t complete documentation
- Those who met eligibility but were rejected due to NSER or bank-related delays.
New Applicants
- Must be aged between 25‑55 years, Punjab residents with valid CNIC and NTN
- Should own or plan to operate a business in Punjab with clean credit and tax record
- Priority given to women, youth, disabled, climate-friendly, and export-oriented sectors
Loan Amount & Terms (2025 Update)
Up to 5 years with monthly installments. Late payment penalty: PKR 1 per PKR 1,000 overdue per day. Interest is zero percent throughout. Equity requirement: 20% for Tier 2, but only 10% for women, transgender persons, and differently-abled people.
| Tier | Loan Range | Processing Fee | Collateral Required | Grace Period |
| Tier 1 | PKR 1M – 5M | PKR 5,000 | Personal guarantee | 6 months for new businesses |
| Tier 2 | PKR 6M – 30M | PKR 10,000 | Secured property (sometimes reduced for special groups) | 3 months for existing businesses |
Step‑by‑Step Re‑Registration Process for Left-Out Applicants
- Go to the official site: akf.punjab.gov.pk
- Log in using the same CNIC and mobile number used in Phase I
- Upload any missing documents, NTN, business proof, references, etc.
- Pay the applicable processing fee via Easypaisa, JazzCash, or bank
- Submit and receive a tracking number via SMS/email
- Monitor your application status via the portal or SMS tracking
How to Apply if You Missed Phase I Entirely
The process is identical for first-time applicants: register as a new user and fill out personal, business, and financial sections. Upload CNIC, NTN, proof of business address, description, and references. Document requirements are the same. Once submitted, you’ll receive a tracking ID and status updates.
What happens after submission?
- The application is verified by the Bank of Punjab in coordination with PITB
- Shortlisted applicants called for KYC and documentation check
- Once approved, a sanction letter is issued and loan disbursed digitally
- Borrowers can then access the funds or use the Asaan Karobar Card to transact directly
- Regular updates and reminders continue via SMS and portal dashboard
Benefits of Reopening & Phase II Launch
- A second shot to qualify for interest‑free business loans
- Support extended to women, youth, agriculture, and climate-driven ventures
- Transparent digital process reduces time, middlemen, and corruption
- Large impact: over Rs 61 billion disbursed and 107,000 businesses supported to date; Phase II aims to support additional 24,000 SMEs across Punjab