An awareness seminar on the Chief Minister Punjab Aasan Finance Scheme was held at the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) to promote financial inclusion and support small businesses in Punjab.
The seminar was attended by MCCI President Mian Bakhtawar Tanveer Sheikh, Vice President Muhammad Azhar Baloch, Regional Director of Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) Ammara Manzoor, Sheikh Asim Saeed, Tahir Iqbal, Muhammad Suleman, Zafar Iqbal Siddiqui, Kashif Islam, Secretary General Muhammad Shafiq, and a large number of businessmen, industrialists, youth, and women.
In his address, MCCI President Mian Bakhtawar Tanveer Sheikh highlighted that in the first phase of the scheme, loans worth Rs 31 billion were disbursed, benefiting thousands of entrepreneurs. He welcomed the allocation of Rs 90 billion for Phase II, calling it a historic step toward economic empowerment. He stated that providing interest-free loans would strengthen small businesses and help youth become self-reliant. He further emphasized that achieving economic stability requires joint efforts from both the government and the business community. He added that promoting investment and strengthening capital markets are essential for sustainable growth.
Speaking at the seminar, PSIC Regional Director Ammara Manzoor praised MCCI’s positive role and reiterated that the business community is a key partner in implementing the government’s economic initiatives. She said that the scheme is a major step toward promoting entrepreneurship through accessible financing. She also highlighted that the Punjab Small Industries Corporation has been playing a significant role in industrial development since 1973, with 24 industrial estates currently operational across Punjab.
Concluding the session, Tahir Iqbal briefed participants on the details of the scheme. He explained that it offers easy-term, interest-free loans to youth, women, transgender persons, and differently-abled individuals. He said that eligibility requires a valid CNIC, a Punjab domicile, registration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and active taxpayer status. He added that the financing plan allows for a repayment period of up to five years, with a grace period of six months for existing businesses and three months for new startups.
He also informed the audience that applications can be submitted online through the official website of the CM Punjab Aasan Finance Scheme, and a 24-hour helpline is available for assistance and guidance.