Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched transformative programs to boost housing, small businesses, agriculture and renewable energy across the province. These initiatives aim to empower citizens through financial support, modern infrastructure, and enhancing agricultural production.
In a recent meeting, Mrs Maryam Nawaz approved Punjab CM Asan Karupar Finance Scheme, a multi-billion rupee program designed to support small and medium enterprises with interest-free loans.
Tier 1 loans up to Rs 5 million are unsecured and require personal guarantees, while Tier 2 loans range from Rs 5 million to Rs 30 million and are guaranteed. The scheme includes additional incentives such as subsidies for solar energy equipment and clean technologies, consultancy services, and development of industrial parks in Sialkot, Gujarat and Quaidabad. Plans are also being made to set up a dedicated tanning zone in Sialkot to reduce water pollution and boost leather exports.
The Punjab government is also scheduled to launch the second phase of the Asan Karupar financing scheme in 2025-26, with an extended scope at a cost of Rs 100 billion. This phase will benefit about 24,000 small and medium enterprises and facilitate the disbursement of loans worth 379 billion rupees.
On housing, the Prime Minister approved Rs 62 billion for the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme, which targets 40 lakh housing loans by May 2025. A proposal to increase the loan ceiling from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh is being reviewed.
So far, 5,000 loans have been disbursed, and more than 4,200 homes are nearing completion. In collaboration with RUDA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the government plans to provide prefabricated homes to low-income families. Maryam Nawaz emphasized: “Every homeless person deserves a roof over his head.”
The Cabinet also prioritized agricultural and energy reforms, directing the provision of 10,000 tractors by February 28 and 2,000 super-seeders at subsidized prices by March.
An additional Rs 6 billion has been allocated to expand solar projects, including converting government buildings to solar energy by June. The progress of Ujala program and solar initiatives of Punjab Assembly and key institutions were reviewed.
In agriculture, efforts are being made to restore citrus fruits such as quinoa and create model agricultural markets. More than 5,000 farmers have already benefited from the PM Kisan Card and preparations for the kharif crop have been completed. The government has also finalized plans to double biogas production and establish fertilizer plants to boost productivity.
Industrial growth remains the main focus, with plans to develop a 300-acre industrial and technology park in Narowal and feasibility studies to establish a technological university in Kasur. The Garment Cities project, scheduled to be completed by March, is expected to boost the textile sector.
With more than Rs 8 billion invested in agricultural projects, and the distribution of 4,500 tractors and high-quality seeders, these programs reflect the Punjab government’s commitment to sustainable development. “We are promoting innovation, new technologies and economic empowerment,” said Maryam Aurangzeb, Regional Chief Minister.