The Government of Punjab, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has officially launched the Punjab Livestock Distribution Program 2025 — a flagship welfare initiative aimed at financially empowering rural women through the free distribution of cows and buffaloes across South Punjab.
With a budget of Rs. 2 billion, the program focuses on providing widowed and divorced women with a sustainable source of income, helping them move from poverty to long-term self-reliance.
A Major Step Toward Women’s Financial Empowerment
Unlike temporary cash aid, this initiative builds lasting economic resilience. By providing livestock instead of one-time payments, the Punjab government enables women to earn through daily milk sales, raise calves for future income, and contribute to their local economy.
Key Program Features
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Total Budget | Rs. 2 billion |
Livestock Distributed (Phase 1) | 4,870 cows & buffaloes |
Target Beneficiaries | 11,000 widowed/divorced women |
Eligibility | Women under 55 from low-income families |
Districts Covered | 12 districts of South Punjab |
Registration Method | Via app or CM Helpdesk |
Goal | Women empowerment & rural development |
Target Districts in Phase 1
The Livestock Distribution Program covers 12 underdeveloped districts of South Punjab, including:
Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, Vehari, Khanewal, and Kot Addu.
These regions were prioritized due to higher poverty rates and limited employment opportunities for women.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure fairness and transparency, applicants must:
- Be a widow or divorced woman
- Be under 55 years of age
- Live in one of the 12 selected districts
- Belong to a low-income household
- Possess a valid Punjab CNIC
How to Apply Online
The registration process is digital and user-friendly:
- Visit your nearest veterinary clinic or animal health center.
- Bring your CNIC, death/divorce certificate, and mobile number.
- Apply online through livestock.punjab.gov.pk or the “Asset Transfer to Rural Women” app.
- Wait for a confirmation SMS.
- Collect your livestock after verification from your local veterinary office.
No middlemen or agents are involved — ensuring a 100% transparent process.
October 2025 Update — Door-to-Door Registration
To make registration more inclusive, the Punjab Government has deployed mobile verification teams to conduct door-to-door data collection in all target districts.
This allows flood-affected women to register without extra travel or cost.
Comprehensive Support for Beneficiaries
The Livestock Distribution Program offers a complete support package to ensure livestock care and income stability:
Support Component | Description |
---|---|
Livestock Asset | 1 cow or buffalo per woman |
Fodder Supply | Free fodder for first few months |
Veterinary Services | Regular checkups and vaccinations |
Income Training | Guidance on milk collection & calf rearing |
Business Coaching | Help to start small-scale dairy businesses |
Why Livestock Instead of Cash Aid
Livestock creates continuous income instead of temporary relief.
A single buffalo can yield 8–12 liters of milk daily, generating a steady income stream. Calves can also be sold for extra profit — turning one-time aid into a lifelong asset.
Benefits for Women and Communities
- Sustainable daily income
- Reduced dependency on loans or relatives
- Better education and healthcare for children
- Growth of the rural dairy economy
- Women’s inclusion in agriculture and business
This program is not just about aid — it’s about economic transformation.
Maryam Nawaz’s Vision for Women Empowerment
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated:
“Every woman in Punjab — whether from a city or a village — deserves the opportunity to work, earn, and live with dignity.”
This program embodies her commitment to inclusive growth and poverty reduction, ensuring that rural women become active participants in Pakistan’s economic progress.
Future Expansion Plans
While Phase 1 focuses on South Punjab, future phases aim to expand across the province, reaching thousands more women. Continuous monitoring and beneficiary feedback will ensure fairness and long-term success.
Final Words
The Punjab Livestock Distribution Program 2025 marks a new era of women-led economic empowerment.
By replacing financial dependence with self-reliance, the government is helping women build a stronger, more prosperous Punjab — one home at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Livestock Distribution Program?
Widowed or divorced women under 55 from South Punjab’s 12 districts.
2. What is the total budget of the program?
The Punjab Government has allocated Rs. 2 billion for this initiative.
3. Is registration free?
Yes, the process is 100% free of cost — no agents or middlemen are involved.
4. How many animals will be distributed in the first phase?
A total of 4,870 cows and buffaloes are being distributed under Phase 1.
5. How do beneficiaries receive support after getting livestock?
They receive fodder, veterinary care, and income coaching from government experts.