ISLAMABAD, November 8, 2026: The government has increased the maximum loan limit under the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme from Rs7.5 million to Rs25 million, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to lower the minimum eligibility age to 18 and reserve 30 percent of loans for women.
The changes were discussed during a review meeting chaired by the prime minister to assess the implementation of youth business and agricultural financing programmes.
Officials informed the meeting that the revised maximum loan amount would be available through an easy instalment facility, with Rs292 billion allocated for youth lending during the current financial year.
The prime minister reviewed measures aimed at expanding access to financing, supporting entrepreneurship and encouraging greater participation of young people in agricultural activities.
Loan eligibility age reduced to 18
Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to reduce the minimum age requirement for obtaining loans from 21 to 18 years, allowing younger applicants to access financing for business ventures and agricultural activities.
He also instructed officials to reserve 30 percent of loans under the programme for women to strengthen their participation in entrepreneurship and improve their access to financial resources.
The prime minister appreciated the efforts of Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and his team in developing financing arrangements for young entrepreneurs.
SMEDA directed to support young entrepreneurs
The prime minister directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to provide business guidance, consultancy services and technical assistance to young people seeking to establish enterprises under the scheme.
He also called for a nationwide awareness campaign to inform eligible applicants about available financing opportunities and government support programmes.
Shehbaz Sharif said young people were a valuable national asset and reiterated the government’s commitment to creating productive employment opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Over 581,000 young people receive loans since 2023
During the briefing, officials informed the prime minister that 581,341 young people had received loans worth Rs313.9 billion since January 2023.
According to the figures presented at the meeting, the number of beneficiaries during this period was ten times higher than in the preceding decade.
Officials also projected that approximately 266,700 young people would receive Rs292 billion in financing during the 2026–27 financial year.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan and Special Assistant on Political Affairs Talha Burki.