Punjab Govt Launches Free Livestock Program 2025 for Rural Women

Punjab Free Livestock Distribution Program

The Punjab Govt, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has officially launched the Punjab Free Livestock Distribution Program 2025. The aim of this historic project is to financially empower women in rural areas and provide them with sustainable employment. Under this program, free cows and buffaloes will be provided to widowed and divorced women in 12 tehsils of South Punjab, so that they can establish a dignified livelihood through t he sale of milk. The government has allocated a budget of Rs. 2 billion for this project.

This project has been developed as a long-term employment model rather than a temporary financial assistance. The govt aims to create a permanent source of income for women by providing cows or buffaloes. In this way, they will not only be able to become self-sufficient but will also be able to secure the financial future of their families.

Salient Features Of The Program

Feature	Details
Total Budget	Rs. 2 billion
Phase 1 Distribution	4,870 cows and buffaloes
Total Beneficiary Women	11,000 widowed and divorced women
Eligibility	Women under 55 years of age from low-income families in South Punjab
Application Method	Through mobile app or CM Helpdesk at nearby veterinary hospitals
Main Objective	To provide financial independence and respectable livelihood to women

Districts Covered – Phase 1

The first phase covers 12 backward districts of South Punjab, where poverty rates are high and employment opportunities are limited.

The districts covered are as follows:

Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, Vehari, Khanewal, Kot Addu

The selection of these areas ensures that assistance reaches women who are truly in need.

Eligibility Criteria

Specific conditions have been set for the program so that only deserving women can avail the facility.

Eligibility requirements:

• Applicant should be a widow or divorced woman
• Be below 55 years of age
• Resident in selected districts of South Punjab
• Have a valid Punjab National Identity Card (CNIC) from NADRA
• Family income should be low or financial conditions should be weak

These criteria are set to maintain transparency and avoid any political influence.

Application Procedure

The application process is completely digital and transparent so that women from rural areas can also benefit easily.

Steps to Apply:

• Visit the nearest veterinary clinic or animal health center.
• Bring your ID card, proof of divorce or widowhood and mobile SIM.
• Submit an application online at livestock.punjab.gov.pk or use the “Asset Transfer to Rural Women” mobile app.
• Wait for an SMS from the registration team.
• After verification, get a cow or buffalo from the nearest center.
• This system eliminates the role of middlemen and provides direct government assistance to women.

Door-To-Door Registration – October 2025 Update

The Punjab govt has deployed door-to-door teams to make registration easier.

These teams are performing the following duties:

• Collecting data by visiting the homes of eligible women
• Completing on-the-spot verification and registration
• Enlisting flood-affected families on a priority basis

This initiative has been taken to increase transparency and save rural women from the hassle of traveling.

Complete Support Package

This scheme is not limited to just giving a cow or buffalo but a comprehensive support package is also being provided by the government.

Support Component	Description
Livestock Provision	Each woman will receive a free cow or buffalo
Fodder Supply	Free fodder provided for the initial months
Veterinary Support	Vaccinations, medical treatment, and veterinary consultation
Training Workshops	Guidance and training on milk sales and business expansion
Business Mentorship	Assistance in establishing small-scale dairy businesses

This complete system is designed to help women move toward sustainable and independent livelihoods.

Reason For Providing Cattle Instead Of Cash Assistance

The government has decided to provide cattle this time instead of temporary financial assistance so that women can get a permanent source of income.

For example:

• A buffalo gives 8 to 12 liters of milk per day, which can be sold to earn a permanent income.
• Additional profit is also possible from selling calves every year.
• Thus, it is a model that provides permanent employment instead of temporary assistance.

Socio-Economic Benefits Free Livestock Program

This program is not limited to women only, but its impact will be felt by the entire society.

Key benefits:

• Stable income from milk and dairy products
• Reduced financial dependence and increased independence
• More spending on children’s education and health is possible
• Development of the rural dairy industry
• Women gain a strong position in the economic field

This initiative is a major effort to strengthen the rural economy and bring women into the mainstream of development.

Special Facility For Flood-Affected Women

Many women in southern Punjab lost their livestock during the floods. The govt has set up preferential registration for such families so that they can get back on their feet.

This is a reflection of Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s welfare vision, which is based on compassion and justice.

Future Roadmap

The first phase includes 12 districts, however, the plan is to expand the project to the entire Punjab in the coming phases. The govt is also establishing a community feedback and monitoring system to ensure the transparency of the program. This initiative can become a model for other provinces as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

The Punjab Free Livestock Distribution Program 2025 is a new ray of hope for women. The program not only provides financial assistance but also gives women the opportunity to become entrepreneurs so that they can improve their lives and the lives of their families. This truly reflects Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s slogan: “Empower Her, Strengthen Punjab”