Punjab Interest-Free Loans for Women Entrepreneurs (PSIC)

By My Rishta Pakistan · Updated 8 November 2026

Quick answer

PSIC offers interest-free loans to Punjab women entrepreneurs. Who can apply, how to apply and how to avoid scams. Updated 3 Nov 2026.

Information as of 3 November 2026. Terms can change, so always confirm on the official portal before applying.

Many Pakistani families see a woman’s own income as a real source of security, whether she is a daughter, a wife, a widow or a divorced woman rebuilding her life. One Punjab programme aimed at women who run or want to start small businesses is the interest-free loan scheme of the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC). This explainer sets out what is publicly reported, in simple words.

What is the PSIC interest-free loan scheme for women?

PSIC is a Punjab government body that supports small businesses. Its official website lists an “Interest-Free Loan Scheme for Graduated Incubates” of its Women Business Incubation Centres (WBICs). According to that page, loans of up to Rs 500,000 are available, repayable in equal monthly instalments over up to three years, with no grace period. The page also mentions a 2% processing fee that is recovered before the money is paid out.

Separately, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on 1 September 2026 that the PSIC board approved a Rs 500 million scheme of interest-free loans for women entrepreneurs and women artisans, with loan sizes between Rs 500,000 and Rs 10 million. The APP report does not say how to apply, and reports do not make clear how this board decision relates to the WBIC page, so readers should ask PSIC directly. Earlier, in February 2026, TechJuice reported that PSIC planned to launch a women’s scheme for WBIC graduates and skilled artisans.

Who can apply?

According to the PSIC page for WBIC graduates, an applicant should:

be a woman aged 21 to 55 with a Punjab CNIC and domicile;
be a graduate of a PSIC Women Business Incubation Centre, with a completion certificate;
run an operating business or the start-up developed during incubation;
hold a valid CNIC and NTN and be a registered tax filer;
have a clean credit record and not be a defaulter on any PSIC or bank loan; and
own or rent business premises if the business already exists.

The page also asks for a personal guarantee from a regular government employee of a stated grade and service length, and two signed blank cheques. The wider Rs 500 million scheme reported by APP is described only as being for women entrepreneurs and artisans; its detailed conditions have not been published in the reports reviewed.

How to apply

PSIC’s page says the application form can be downloaded from its website, psic.punjab.gov.pk. The reports reviewed do not give a full document list, a closing date or a dedicated helpline for the wider scheme, so readers should confirm these on the official portal or at a PSIC office. This article does not give any phone number because it could not be confirmed by two independent sources.

Latest update

As of 3 November 2026, PSIC’s own page still lists the WBIC graduate scheme, with no deadline or closure notice shown. On 15 October 2026, Pakistan Today reported that the Punjab chief minister’s office spoke of interest-free business loans among steps for rural women, but gave no amounts or application details. Treat that as a general announcement, not an application guide.

Why this matters for families

A woman who can earn on her own terms is better able to make unhurried decisions, including about marriage. Families looking at a rishta for a divorced or widowed woman or a second marriage may find that practical support schemes ease pressure on the household. For the legal side of a wedding, see our guide to nikah registration, nikahnama and haq mehr.

Beware of fake agents and scams

Never pay anyone to “approve” or “fast-track” a loan. Use only the official PSIC website and offices, do not share your CNIC, OTP or bank details with strangers on calls or WhatsApp, and do not trust unofficial pages that promise guaranteed loans. If you suspect fraud, report it to the police or the official cybercrime reporting channel. Our guide to avoiding fake profiles and scams lists similar warning signs.

Frequently asked questions

Is the loan really interest-free? PSIC’s page and the APP report both describe it as interest-free, but a processing fee of 2% is mentioned on the PSIC page, so ask for the full cost in writing.

Can any woman apply? Not necessarily. The PSIC page is for WBIC graduates; the wider scheme is described as being for women entrepreneurs and artisans. Check eligibility on the official portal.

Is there a deadline? No closing date was found in the sources reviewed.

Sources

My Rishta Pakistan is an independent non-profit and is not connected with any government body or political party. This article is for information only.