Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz unveiled on Thursday zero-interest loans and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) opportunities across the province.

According to details, CM Maryam the "Asaan Karobar Finance" and "Asaan Karobar Card" schemes were introduced during a high-profile event at the Chief Minister's Office, with several dignitaries, including senior provincial ministers, Bank of Punjab officials, and industry leaders, in attendance.

The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme offered interest-free loans ranging from Rs 1 million to Rs30 million, repayable in easy instalments. Meanwhile, the Asaan Karobar Card provided loans between Rs500,000 and Rs1 million. Eligible applicants were invited to apply online immediately, with further details accessible through helpline 1786.

CM Maryam stated, "These schemes have the potential to alter the destiny of Punjab and Pakistan. We have simplified business initiation to an unprecedented level."

She highlighted that loans would be disbursed through the Bank of Punjab without the need for prior approvals such as NOCs, licences, or blueprints.

The chief minister declared that these initiatives represented the first of their kind in the province’s history, allowing loans of up to Rs30 million entirely interest-free. Nawaz added, "Land at highly subsidised rates will also be provided to support small businesses, ensuring economic inclusivity."

The provincial government also announced incentives for establishing industries within export processing zones, including complimentary solar systems valued at up to Rs500,000.

"Through these initiatives, SMEs will carve new paths to economic prosperity for Punjab," remarked Maryam Nawaz. She encouraged young entrepreneurs to take advantage of these schemes to contribute to economic growth.

Reflecting on the nation’s recent economic challenges, Nawaz criticised the previous four years of governance, citing high inflation rates and soaring dollar values. She credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for stabilising the economy, remarking that the country had been pulled back from the brink of default.

In her speech, she underscored the importance of industrialisation for economic progress and vowed to expedite mineral development across Punjab. Maryam Nawaz urged stakeholders to play an active role in the industrialisation process, promising that the provincial government would continue to support the region's economic transformation.

Meanwhile, CM Maryam launched the "CM Punjab Laptop Scheme" and distributed "Honhaar Scholarships" during a ceremony at GC University’s new campus in Faisalabad.

Under the scheme, 40,000 laptops would be provided across Punjab. Additionally, scholarships worth Rs200million were allocated to students in Faisalabad Division, with Rs17.6 million awarded to public university students and Rs 28.9 million to private university students.

Addressing the event, Maryam Nawaz stated, "We have made education a priority by supporting students through financial assistance and resources." She appreciated a special needs student, Uswa Aziz, for her flute rendition of the national anthem and extended affection to students performing recitations and naats.

During her visit, Nawaz interacted closely with students, sitting among them and acknowledging their achievements. One student presented her with a portrait of her late mother, Kulsoom Nawaz, while another gifted a dupatta adorned with slogans of appreciation.

The programme also witnessed a unique moment when female police officers provided a guard of honour, a first in the history of such events.