PESHAWAR
The interest-free loan scheme for promotion of small business in the merged districts of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) is continued.
The scheme was launched by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to improve the standard of living in merged districts and promote small businesses.
According to spokesman of the Small Industries Development Board (SIDB), the implementing agency of the scheme, this 13-year project (2021-2034) has benefited 66,557 people so far, while 22,152 still receiving support.
Under this scheme, interest-free loans ranging from PKR 25,000 to PKR 75,000 are provided, with a three-year repayment period to ensure easy repayment.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Small Industries Development Board (SIDB) has been entrusted with the project, with a total budget of PKR 2,007 million.
The scheme is being successfully implemented through 36 branches of Akhuwat Foundation Pakistan, where residents of merged districts can avail of loans on easy terms.
The loans is being provided for starting new businesses, expansion of existing businesses, purchase of machinery and promotion of agriculture and livestock sectors.
