Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has increased the maximum individual loan limit under the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Schemes from Rs7.5 million to Rs25 million, aiming to expand financial opportunities for young entrepreneurs and farmers.
The loans will be provided through easy instalments, according to a decision taken at a meeting chaired by the prime minister to review loan disbursements and assess progress under the two government schemes.
A total of Rs292 billion has been allocated for youth business and agriculture loans during the 2026-27 financial year, with an estimated 266,700 young people expected to benefit.
More Opportunities for Youth
During the meeting, Shehbaz directed the authorities to reserve 30 per cent of the loans for women to promote their economic independence and encourage their participation in business activities.
He also ordered a reduction in the minimum eligibility age for applicants from 21 to 18 years. The move is intended to help young people access financial support earlier and establish businesses or pursue agricultural activities.
The prime minister appreciated the efforts of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his team in developing arrangements to provide financial assistance to young people.
The meeting also discussed measures to expand employment opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship and increase youth participation in the agricultural sector.
Support for Young Entrepreneurs
Shehbaz directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to provide comprehensive assistance to applicants under the schemes.
The support will include guidance on starting businesses, business consultancy and technical assistance to help young people establish and manage their ventures.
He also instructed the relevant authorities to launch a nationwide awareness campaign to inform young people about the loan schemes, available opportunities and other government initiatives.
The campaign is intended to ensure that more eligible applicants learn about the facilities and can benefit from them.
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Over Rs313 Billion Disbursed
According to the briefing presented at the meeting, 581,341 young people have received loans under the schemes since January 2023.
The number of beneficiaries is reportedly 10 times higher than the total number of young people who received similar financial assistance during the preceding 10 years.
Loans worth Rs313.9 billion have been disbursed since the schemes began in their current phase, the meeting was told.
For the 2026-27 financial year, the government expects to provide Rs292 billion in loans to approximately 266,700 young people.
Youth a National Asset
Addressing the meeting, the prime minister described young people as a valuable asset for Pakistan and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering them.
He said the government was focused on utilising their potential and creating decent and productive employment opportunities.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Talha Barqi.
