ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced major changes to Pakistan’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Schemes, increasing the maximum financing limit to Rs25 million and lowering the minimum applicant age to 18 years.
The revised measures aim to provide more young Pakistanis with access to financing for business ventures and agricultural activities.
During a meeting reviewing the schemes on November 8, the prime minister directed authorities to increase the maximum individual loan limit from Rs7.5 million to Rs25 million. He also instructed officials to reserve 30 percent of loans for women to encourage their participation in economic activities.
The prime minister said the minimum age requirement should be reduced from 21 to 18 years. The decision is intended to give younger people an opportunity to establish businesses and participate in the agricultural sector.
The government has also directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to support applicants. Its assistance will include business start-up guidance, consultancy and technical support.
Officials were also instructed to launch a nationwide awareness campaign. The campaign will inform young people about available financing opportunities and government initiatives.
According to the briefing presented during the meeting, 581,341 young people have received loans since January 2023. The total financing disbursed during this period reached Rs313.9 billion.
Officials said the number of beneficiaries was around ten times higher than the figure recorded during the preceding decade.
For the financial year 2026-27, the government has allocated Rs292 billion for the programme. The amount is expected to provide financing to approximately 266,700 young people.
How to Apply for the PM Youth Loan Scheme 2026
Young Pakistanis interested in business or agricultural financing can access the online application portal of the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme.
Applicants can visit the official website at: https://pmybals.pmyp.gov.pk/BankForm/newApplicantForm
They should review the available instructions and provide the required personal and business information through the online form. Applicants should also prepare relevant documents before starting the registration process.
The application process is online. However, submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Participating banks assess applications according to the programme’s conditions and their financing requirements.
Eligibility and Loan Categories
The revised announcement confirms that the minimum age requirement has been reduced to 18 years. However, the complete updated eligibility criteria and financing structure should be checked through the official portal.
The programme’s website currently displays some earlier eligibility and loan-tier information. Applicants should therefore confirm the revised age limit, financing categories, markup rates and repayment conditions before applying.
The latest announcement does not provide confirmation of revised markup rates or updated limits for each individual loan tier.
The increase in the maximum loan amount and the allocation for women are intended to expand access to business and agricultural financing. The government has also tasked SMEDA with helping young applicants develop their business plans and access technical guidance.
In other news read more about: Big Relief for Pakistani Youth as Government Raises Loan Limit to Rs25 Million
The revised PM Youth Loan Scheme could provide additional opportunities for young entrepreneurs and farmers across Pakistan. Final approval will remain subject to the applicable programme rules and the participating bank’s assessment.
