Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Scheme

Learn how to apply for CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card with our step-by-step guide to simplify your business startup or expansion process. Starting or expanding a business can be challenging, especially when finances are tight. If you’re from Punjab, Pakistan, it’s a great opportunity to start or expand your business with interest-free business loans. The Chief Minister’s Asaan Karobar Card Scheme offers interest-free loans of up to PKR 1 million to small entrepreneurs, helping boost economic growth in the region. Let’s go through the application process step by step.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Apply for CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card

Before applying, ensure you meet the following criteria:
• Age: You must be between 21 and 57 years old.
• Residency: You should be a Pakistani national residing in Punjab.
• Identification: You must have a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
• Mobile Number: Your mobile number must be registered in your name.
• Business Status: You should either own an existing business or plan to start one in Punjab.
• Credit History: A clean credit record with no overdue loans is required.
• Application Limit: Only one application per person and business is allowed.

If you meet these criteria, you can proceed with the application.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Preparation is key. Make sure you have the following documents:
• CNIC (Scanned copies of front and back).
• Photograph (A clear passport-sized photo or selfie).
• Proof of Business (Documents like rent agreements, ownership papers, or business registration certificates).
• References (Details of two non-relatives, including their CNIC copies and contact numbers).

Having these ready will make the application process smoother.

Step 3: Register on the Official Portal to Apply for CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card

With your documents in hand, it’s time to apply online:
1. Visit the Official Portal: Open the Asaan Karobar Card Login website https://akc.punjab.gov.pk/login.
2. Sign Up: Click on RESITER NOW to register using your mobile number (it must be registered in your name) for CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card apply online.

3. Fill in your correct Personal Information including Name, Father’s Name, CNIC, Date of Birth, CNIC Number with Issue and Expiry Date, Mobile Number with correct Mobile Network, and Create a Password: Set a strong password for security. (Tip: Use 8 character password, a capital letter at the start, a special character, and numbers as shown in the screenshot below)

This portal is designed to make the application process easy for users.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Once registered:
1. Login using your CNIC number and password.

For the steps below always press Save Button before pressing the Next Button, else the data will not be saved.

2. Enter your complete address with the nearest landmark, city, ownership status, family information, education, related experience, and other required information.

3. Enter your existing or proposed business status, its nature, start date, business name, contact details, phone, email, and other required information.

4. Enter your existing or proposed business city, business place status, registration status, description, sales, revenue, employees, salaries, utility bills, and any other expenses. Fill in your personal information name, cell, email, CNIC, and 100% ownership status if you are the sole owner of the business.

5. Enter your required loan amount ranging from Rs.100,000 to Rs.1,000,000 (One Lac to One Million) depending your business needs. The purpose of the loan is auto-filled as Revolving Credit for Business Working Capital requirements and needs no tangible security.

6. Attach the CNIC copy image from Front & Back. Attach the 1-2 Years Bank Statment of Account if you do have one, it will have the plus points in loan approval if it contains the cash flows or money inflows and outflows reflecting your business activity.

7. Next Read and Accept the Declaration by clicking the check box at the bottom stating ‘Please accept the undertaking’ and then Click the Proceed Button.

8. As you click the Proceed Button, the system will show you the following message for successful application submission.

Make sure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

Step 5: Pay the Processing Fee – MOST IMPORTANT

To submit your application, you need to pay a non-refundable processing fee of PKR 500. The portal will display a system-generated 19-digit PSID number displayed at the top data section along with Status: UNPAID.

This 19-digit PSID can easily be paid from any Bank’s Mobile App or ATM using the 1Bill – Invoice/Fixed Payment Biller Option. The PSID can also be paid on any bank’s counter including NBP and BOP. After payment, upon fresh login, the PSID status will be updated to PAID.

Step 6: Submit the Application

1. Review all the information to ensure everything is correct.
   2. Click ‘Submit’ to finalize your application.

After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation message and a registration number. Keep this number safe, as it will help you track your application’s progress.

Questions and Queries about Asaan Karobar Card

• Call the dedicated helpline at 1786
• Visit the Online website at https://akc.punjab.gov.pk/cmpunjabfinance
• Visit or Call any local office of Punjab Small Industries Corporation – PSIC Offices

What Happens Next?

Once submitted, your application will go through three verification stages:
• Digital Verification: Your CNIC and personal details will be verified online.
• Credit Assessment: A credit history check and a psychometric assessment may be conducted.
• Physical Verification: Officials will visit your business location within six months of loan approval and then once a year to ensure compliance.

If all checks are cleared, you will receive your Asaan Karobar Card, granting access to the loan facility.

Key Features of the Asaan Karobar Card

This scheme offers flexible and easy-to-use financial assistance for small business owners. Here’s what you get:
• Loan Amount: Up to PKR 1 million.
• Loan Tenure: 3 years with a revolving credit facility in the first year.
• Repayment Terms: After the first 12 months, the balance is repaid over 24 equal monthly installments.
• Grace Period: A three-month grace period before repayments begin.
• Usage: The loan can be used for:
• Vendor and supplier payments
• Utility bills
• Government fees and taxes
• Digital transactions (POS, mobile apps, etc.)
• Cash withdrawals (limited to 25% of the credit limit for business purposes)

This card gives entrepreneurs financial flexibility without interest burdens, making it a game-changer for small businesses in Punjab.

Additional Support for Entrepreneurs

To further assist business owners, feasibility studies for startups are available through the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) and the Bank of Punjab (BOP) websites.

With the CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card Scheme, small business owners now have an easy and affordable way to access funds, grow their businesses, and contribute to the economic development of Punjab.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this opportunity! Apply today and take your business to the next level!

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