Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched the ‘Asaan Karobaar’ programme, providing interest-free loans to entrepreneurs across the province.

Addressing the launch ceremony, she criticised the opposition, stating that their politics had deteriorated to the point of physical altercations.

She said that the people have rejected the politics of chaos and instability, adding that previous incompetent governments had driven inflation up to 38 per cent, which her administration has successfully controlled.

During the event, Maryam Nawaz distributed ‘Asaan Karobaar Finance’ cheques and business cards to selected entrepreneurs.

Faisalabad’s Asif received Rs30 million for a pharmaceutical business, while Rawalpindi’s Wajahat Fareed secured Rs30 million for a software house.

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Similarly, Rs30 million was given to Lahore’s Arshad for a sports export business.

Other beneficiaries included Sahiwal’s Ali Asif, who received Rs5 million for a furniture business, and Afzal, who was granted Rs3.175 million for a transport business. Lahore’s Shabbir received Rs5 million for a hair salon and cosmetics venture.

Additionally, Faizan Mumtaz secured an Asaan Business Card worth Rs5.75 million for a garments business, Abu Bakar Saleh received Rs1 million for paper manufacturing, and Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali was granted Rs1 million for a bakery business.

The chief minister prayed for the success of new businesses and also screened a documentary about the project.

A briefing during the event highlighted that the Asaan Karobaar Card allows loans up to Rs1 million, while the Asaan Karobaar Finance scheme offers loans ranging from Rs1 million to Rs30 million.

Loan repayments will be made in easy instalments without any interest.

Under this scheme, Rs36 billion in business loans and Rs48 billion in interest-free loans are being distributed.

Punjab residents aged 21 to 57 are eligible to apply.

Addressing the audience, Maryam Nawaz reiterated that the initiative is designed to create employment opportunities and support struggling entrepreneurs.

She emphasised that her government is fulfilling its promises to the people, pointing out that the economy, once on the brink of collapse, is now stabilising.

Inflation has been reduced to 4 per cent, and economic indicators are improving.

She also took a swipe at the opposition, claiming that their internal conflicts have escalated to the point of physical fights.

She remarked that Pakistan’s economy is ready to take off, and the public has rejected calls for protests and violence.

The chief minister further highlighted infrastructure development, stating that 700 roads are currently under construction across Punjab.

Maryam Nawaz also addressed the government’s housing and business initiatives, noting that Punjab residents are being provided easy instalment loans and free land for businesses.

She stated that the reduction in the policy rate indicates economic growth and business conditions are improving.

The government, she affirmed, is committed to fostering economic progress and implementing sector-wise business plans with immediate effect.