Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expanded the Prime Minister's Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Schemes by increasing the maximum loan limit from Rs7.5 million to Rs25 million and lowering the minimum eligibility age from 21 to 18 years. The government has also reserved 30% of loans for women to promote financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.
During a review meeting, the prime minister directed authorities to offer loans through easy instalments to help young people establish businesses, expand existing ventures, and pursue agricultural activities. Since January 2023, a total of 581,341 young people have received loans worth Rs313.9 billion, representing a tenfold increase in beneficiaries compared to the previous decade.
For FY2026-27, the government has allocated Rs292 billion to provide financing to approximately 266,700 young entrepreneurs. The prime minister also instructed SMEDA to offer business consultancy, technical assistance, and start-up support, alongside a nationwide awareness campaign to promote the schemes.
The initiative aims to create employment opportunities, strengthen youth entrepreneurship, support agricultural development, and improve women's financial independence across Pakistan.
