Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has increased the maximum personal loan limit under the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Schemes from Rs7.5 million to Rs25 million, while reducing the minimum eligibility age from 21 to 18 years.

The decisions were announced during a meeting in Islamabad on Sunday to review progress and implementation of the schemes.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Rs292 billion has been allocated for youth loans during the 2026–27 fiscal year. The government aims to distribute this amount among approximately 266,700 beneficiaries.

The prime minister also directed that 30 percent of the loans be allocated to women to encourage their economic independence and participation in business.

Additionally, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has been instructed to provide young applicants with business guidance, consultancy, and technical support.

Since January 2023, approximately 581,341 young people have received loans worth Rs313.9 billion under the programs.

The revised measures aim to expand access to business and agricultural financing and encourage young Pakistanis to become entrepreneurs.