Asaan Karobar Card AKC Online Portal akc.punjab.gov.pk

The Asaan Karobar Card is a ground-breaking initiative launched by the Government of Punjab to empower small entrepreneurs and support business growth across the province. Announced under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, this program aims to provide interest-free loans up to PKR 1 million to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and young entrepreneurs.

Amount Allocated for the Asaan Karobar Card Program

The Punjab government has made a significant financial commitment to ensure the success of the Asaan Karobar Card scheme. A total of 84 billion rupees has been allocated for the broader business finance initiative, with 48 billion rupees specifically set aside for the Asaan Karobar Card. This enormous budget reflects the government’s dedication to uplifting small businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating new job opportunities throughout Punjab. The allocation guarantees that thousands of deserving entrepreneurs will have access to the funds needed to establish or expand their businesses.

Eligibility Criteria for Asaan Karobar Card

Before applying, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements set by the program. Meeting these criteria increases your chances of approval and ensures the initiative benefits genuine entrepreneurs.

Residency: Must be a Pakistani national and a permanent resident of Punjab.
Age: Applicants must be between 21 and 57 years old.
Identification: Possess a valid CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).
Mobile Registration: Have an active mobile number registered in the applicant’s name.
Business Status: Own an existing business or plan to establish one in Punjab.
Credit History: Clean credit record with no overdue loans.
Business Registration: The business must be registered with PRA (Punjab Revenue Authority) or FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) within six months of card issuance.
Assessment: Pass psychometric and creditworthiness assessments conducted by authorized agencies.
Unique Application: Only one application per individual and per business is allowed.

These criteria are designed to ensure that only genuine small business owners, startups, and potential entrepreneurs benefit from the scheme.

Ineligibility Criteria for Asaan Karobar Card

Some applicants may not qualify for the Asaan Karobar Card based on certain disqualifying factors. It is important to be aware of the following ineligibility criteria:

Individuals below 21 years or above 57 years of age.
Applicants who are not residents of Punjab.
Persons with a history of overdue loans or poor credit ratings.
Individuals without a valid CNIC or whose CNIC does not match their details.
Applicants without a business or business plan based in Punjab.
Multiple applications from the same individual or business entity (only one application is allowed).
Failure to pass the psychometric or creditworthiness assessment.
Applicants using unregistered or inactive mobile numbers.
Businesses that do not register with PRA/FBR within the required time.
Anyone found using false or misleading information in their application.

By knowing both the eligibility and ineligibility criteria, applicants can avoid wasting time on unsuccessful applications and focus on meeting the necessary requirements.

How to Apply for the Asaan Karobar Card Through akc.punjab.gov.pk (Step-by-Step Process)

Applying for the Asaan Karobar Card is simple and fully digital. Here is a stepwise guide for a smooth application process:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to the official Asaan Karobar Card website: akc.punjab.gov.pk.

Step 2: Start Your Application

On the homepage, click on the option for “Apply Now” or “Register.”

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Personal Details: Enter your full name, CNIC number, date of birth, father’s/husband’s name, CNIC issuance and expiry dates.
Contact Details: Provide your active mobile number and select the mobile network.
Business Information: Specify whether you own a business or plan to start one, and provide business location details in Punjab.
Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of your CNIC and proof of business address or business plan.

Step 4: Pay the Processing Fee

Pay a non-refundable processing fee of PKR 500 online as per the portal instructions.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Double-check all information for accuracy.
Click the “Submit” button to complete your application.

Step 6: Wait for Digital Verification

Your CNIC, business details, and creditworthiness will be verified digitally by authorized agencies.
You may be contacted for additional verification if required.

Step 7: Approval and Card Issuance

Once approved, you’ll receive an SMS or phone call notification.
Your Asaan Karobar Card (Business ATM Card) can be collected from the Bank of Punjab or delivered through TCS courier.

Note: Keep your mobile number active to receive timely updates and notifications about your application status.

How to Register or Login on the Portal (Step-by-Step Guide)

The registration and login process on the akc.punjab.gov.pk portal is straightforward. Here’s how you can get started:

Registration Process

Step 1: Access the Registration Page

Go to akc.punjab.gov.pk and click on “Register Now.”

Step 2: Enter Your Personal Information

Fill in your full name as per your CNIC.
Enter your CNIC number and date of birth.
Provide your father’s or husband’s name.
Enter the issuance and expiry dates of your CNIC.

Step 3: Add Contact Details

Provide a valid and active mobile number.
Select your mobile network.

Step 4: Set Up Account Security

Create a secure password and confirm it.

Step 5: Complete Registration

Review all entered details for accuracy.
Click the “Register” button.
You will receive a confirmation SMS upon successful registration.

Login Process

Step 1: Access the Login Page

Return to the akc.punjab.gov.pk portal and click on the “Login” option.

Step 2: Enter Your Credentials

Input your CNIC number and password.

Step 3: Access Your Dashboard

Click “Login” to enter your dashboard.
Here, you can track your application, update documents, and check card status.

Tip: Keep your login credentials secure and do not share your password with anyone.

Loan Usage and Repayment Details

Understanding how you can use the Asaan Karobar Card and repay the loan is vital for efficient business management. Here are the key points:

Loan Usage

Business Payments: Use the card for vendor and supplier payments.
Official Expenses: Pay utility bills, government fees, and taxes.
Cash Withdrawals: Withdraw up to 25% of the approved limit for business-related needs.
Digital Transactions: Make payments through POS systems and the mobile app.

Restrictions: Funds cannot be used for personal expenses, entertainment, or non-business activities.

Repayment Terms

Loan Tenure: 3 years total.
Revolving Credit: Facility available for the first 12 months.
Grace Period: First 3 months after card issuance are repayment-free.
First 50% Limit: Accessible in the initial 6 months.
Second 50% Limit: Released after satisfactory usage and regular repayment, and after registration with PRA/FBR.
Monthly Installments: After the grace period, pay a minimum of 5% of the outstanding balance each month.
Equal Monthly Installments (EMIs): Remaining balance after the first year is paid in 24 equal monthly installments.

Timely repayments are crucial to avoid penalties and maintain a clean credit history.

Card Fees and Charges

To keep the program sustainable, the Asaan Karobar Card has a few associated charges:

Annual Card Fee: PKR 25,000 plus Federal Excise Duty (FED), deducted from the approved loan limit.
Processing Fee: PKR 500, non-refundable, payable at the time of application.
Additional Charges: Life assurance, card issuance, and delivery charges are covered by the scheme.
Late Payment Penalty: As per the Bank’s policy and schedule of charges, applied on delayed installments.

These minimal charges help cover the administrative costs of the program while ensuring that the maximum benefit goes to small business owners.

How to Track Your Application and Check Status

After applying, you may want to monitor your application status. Here’s how you can do it:

Online Portal

Log in to your account at akc.punjab.gov.pk.
Check the dashboard for real-time updates: “Under Review,” “Approved,” or “Pending Documents.”
If documents are missing, upload them directly in the “Uploads” section.

SMS Service

Send an SMS: “STATUS [Application ID]” to 8300.
You’ll receive an instant update on your application status.

Helpline

Call 051-9053333 (toll-free in Pakistan) or +92-51-9053333 (international).
Provide your reference number to get live support and status updates.

In-Person Inquiry

Visit any Bank of Punjab or National Bank of Pakistan branch with your CNIC.
Ask the staff to check your application status.

Tip: Always keep your records and reference numbers safe for easy tracking.

Key Features of the Asaan Karobar Card

The Asaan Karobar Card is designed with several user-friendly features to support small businesses:

Interest-Free Loans: Borrow up to PKR 1 million with zero interest.
Digital Convenience: Apply, track, and use your card fully online.
Flexible Credit Facility: Revolving credit for 12 months, followed by installment repayment.
Grace Period: Three months before the start of repayments.
Partial Withdrawals: Withdraw up to 25% of your approved limit in cash for business use.
Transparent Usage: Funds restricted to legitimate business activities only.
Wide Coverage: Available across all districts of Punjab.
Quick Approval: Digital verification ensures speedy processing.
Life Assurance: Coverage included for all approved borrowers.
Support for Startups: Access feasibility studies and business planning resources.

These features make the card a practical and accessible financial tool for thousands of small business owners.

Benefits of the Asaan Karobar Card

The scheme offers multiple benefits that help small businesses grow and succeed:

No Interest: Eliminates financial burden and makes borrowing affordable.
Promotes Entrepreneurship: Enables new startups and existing SMEs to flourish.
Convenience: Entire process from application to card usage is digital and hassle-free.
Financial Inclusion: Brings unbanked entrepreneurs into the formal economy.
Flexible Usage: Supports various business payments and cash needs.
Quick Disbursal: Approved funds are loaded onto your card without lengthy waiting periods.
Business Support: Access to business development tools, helplines, and feasibility studies.
Job Creation: Helps businesses hire staff and expand, boosting local employment.
Security: Digital monitoring of fund usage reduces fraud and misuse.
Empowerment: Special focus on youth and women entrepreneurs.

Security Details

Security and transparency are at the heart of the Asaan Karobar Card initiative:

Digital Personal Guarantee: Borrowers must digitally sign a personal guarantee at the time of application.
Life Assurance: All cardholders are provided life assurance coverage under the scheme.
Physical Verification: The Urban Unit conducts physical verification of business premises within six months of loan approval and annually thereafter.
Fraud Prevention: Transactions are monitored to prevent non-business usage. Personal or non-essential spending is automatically blocked.
Data Security: Your personal and business data is secured and only shared with authorized agencies for verification.
Single Application Policy: Only one card per individual and per business to avoid duplication and misuse.
Mandatory Business Registration: All borrowers must register their business with PRA/FBR within six months.
Regulatory Compliance: All processes comply with State Bank of Pakistan and provincial regulations for SME lending.

These security features ensure a safe borrowing environment for all cardholders.

Helpline for Asaan Karobar Card

For any questions or support related to the Asaan Karobar Card, you can contact the official helpline:

Helpline Number: 1786
Support: Guidance on application, eligibility, card usage, and troubleshooting.
Working Hours: Available during standard business hours.

Website: Visit https://akc.punjab.gov.pk for more details and FAQs.

Conclusion

The Asaan Karobar Card is a flagship initiative by the Punjab Government to uplift the province’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. By offering interest-free loans up to PKR 1 million, digital convenience, flexible repayment, and robust security, the scheme breaks down financial barriers and creates opportunities for growth, job creation, and economic development. With a strong commitment to transparency and support, the program is transforming the business landscape of Punjab. If you are an aspiring or existing entrepreneur in Punjab, take advantage of this remarkable opportunity and apply online through akc.punjab.gov.pk today.

FAQ’s

Entrepreneurs aged 21 to 57 years, residing in Punjab with a valid CNIC and registered mobile number, and either running or planning a business in Punjab, are eligible.

The maximum loan amount available through the Asaan Karobar Card is PKR 1 million.

Yes, the entire loan amount is provided at 0 percent interest, making it affordable for small business owners.

You can apply online by visiting akc.punjab.gov.pk, completing the digital application, and submitting the required documents.

You will need a valid CNIC, proof of business location or business plan, and an active mobile number registered in your name

There is an annual card fee of PKR 25,000 plus FED (deducted from your loan limit) and a one-time processing fee of PKR 500.

No, the card is strictly for business-related expenses. Non-business transactions are blocked.

Late payments are subject to penalty charges as per the Bank’s policy. It is essential to pay installments on time.

Yes, the Urban Unit will physically verify your business premises within six months of loan approval and conduct annual checks thereafter.