LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has increased the limit of personal loans available under the Youth Business and Agriculture Loan schemes, and reduced the minimum age limit to allow 18-year-olds to avail the scheme as well.
Chairing a meeting to review progress and implementation of the PM’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan schemes on Sunday, the prime minister directed that the personal loan limit be enhanced from Rs7.5 million to Rs25m, which would be provided in easy installments.
According to the PM’s Office, an amount of Rs 292 billion has been allocated this year for disbursement of loans to the youth under these schemes.
Personal loan limit enhanced to Rs25m; scheme extended to include 18-year-olds
PM Shehbaz appreciated the efforts of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his team, and considered various measures to empower the youth, provide them with business opportunities and increase their participation in the agricultural sector.
The PM directed that 30pc of loans be allocated to women, so that they can become economically independent and increase their participation in business activities.
He also ordered that the minimum age limit for obtaining loans be reduced from 21 years to 18 years, so that young people can be provided with opportunities to start businesses and participate in agricultural activities at an early age.
PM Shehbaz also called on the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) to provide all possible assistance to the youth under the scheme, including business start-up guidance, consultancy and technical assistance.
The meeting was told that since January 2023, loans have been provided to 581,341 young people, worth around Rs 313.9 billion. It is estimated that Rs292bn will be disbursed to 266,700 recipients during the fiscal year 2026-27.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Aurangzeb, SAPM on Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan and SAPM on Political Affairs Talha Burki.
Separately, Federal Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Harraj called on PM Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday. According to the PM’s Office, the two men discussed matters of mutual interest and the country’s political and economic situation.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz said he was deeply saddened by the tragic shooting incident in Krakow, which has resulted in the loss of precious human lives and left several others injured.
“Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and Government of Poland in this moment of profound grief,” he wrote on X.
Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2026
