The government of Punjab has launched the first phase of its Free Livestock Programme, with the distribution of livestock to eligible rural women beginning across 13 districts, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Wednesday.
According to the provincial government, the programme is intended to promote sustainable livelihoods and support the economic empowerment of rural women as part of broader efforts to reduce poverty across Punjab.
The first phase covers Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Taunsa, Bahawalnagar, Khanewal, Vehari, Lodhran, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Layyah, Kot Addu and Bahawalpur.
Under the scheme, widowed and divorced rural women aged up to 55 years are eligible to receive free livestock. The government said that applicants must have their marital status verified by the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA), a provincial body responsible for administering social welfare and protection programmes.
Women who have received assistance under any government livestock scheme during the past five years will not qualify for the programme, according to the eligibility criteria announced by the government.
To facilitate applications, the Punjab government has established chief minister facilitation desks at nearby veterinary hospitals and animal health centres. Eligible women may also apply online through the official portal, the government said.
Maryam Nawaz said that the initiative reflected the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening the financial independence of rural women through livestock ownership.
She pointed out that integrating rural women into the mainstream economy was essential for addressing poverty and ensuring inclusive development across the province.
The Free Livestock Programme is one of the Punjab government’s flagship initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunities in rural areas.
According to the chief minister, the scheme is designed to help eligible women generate sustainable sources of income while supporting poverty reduction efforts in the province.
