Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has raised the maximum financing limit under the Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme to Rs25 million. The previous ceiling stood at Rs7.5 million.
At a review meeting on November 8, he also directed authorities to lower the minimum eligibility age from 21 to 18. He ordered officials to reserve 30% of loans for women.
However, a November 10 official announcement still lists general eligibility at 21–45 years, with an 18-year minimum for IT and e-commerce. Applicants should therefore confirm the revised age rules with their selected bank.
Official announcement clarifies loan tiers
The latest government announcement identifies four business and agriculture financing tiers:
| Tier | Loan amount | Borrower markup |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Up to Rs500,000 | 0% |
| Tier 2 | Above Rs500,000 to Rs1.5 million | 5% |
| Tier 3 | Above Rs1.5 million to Rs7.5 million | 7% |
| Tier 4 | Above Rs7.5 million to Rs25 million | 8% |
These official figures differ from the three-tier structure in the supplied report, which placed Rs25 million loans at 7%.
PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said the Economic Coordination Committee and federal cabinet had approved the new Tier 4. It offers repayment periods of up to eight years.
The expanded tier will support activities including agro-processing, cold chains, mechanised farming, solar energy, manufacturing and exports.
How to apply online
Applicants must submit their requests through the official PMYP application portal. They do not need paper application forms.
First, enter a valid CNIC number and accurate date of birth for NADRA verification. Next, select the appropriate financing tier and a participating commercial or Islamic bank.
Listed options include National Bank of Pakistan, Bank of Punjab, Bank Alfalah and Sindh Bank.
Complete the personal, business or agricultural, and financial sections. Upload the requested CNIC copy, passport-size photograph and feasibility report, where applicable, and provide reference details.
Review all mandatory fields before submitting. The selected bank will contact the applicant for further processing and assess the request.
Applicants must reside in Pakistan and hold a valid CNIC. IT and e-commerce applicants need matriculation or an equivalent qualification. Government employees and financial defaulters cannot apply, while specific restrictions also cover ZTBL employees.
Funding and business support
Officials told the review meeting that 581,341 young people had received Rs313.9 billion since January 2023. They described the beneficiary count as ten times the preceding decade’s total.
The meeting cited Rs292 billion for FY2026–27, targeting approximately 266,700 borrowers. The November 10 announcement put the annual target at Rs292.5 billion.
Shehbaz directed SMEDA to provide startup guidance, consultancy and technical assistance. He also ordered a nationwide awareness campaign.
He praised Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his team for supporting youth financing. Aurangzeb attended alongside Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan and political affairs aide Talha Burki.
