The Punjab government has restarted its Free Livestock Program in 12 poor districts of South Punjab. This project, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, is made to help widows and divorced women aged 55 or above. These women will receive free cows or buffaloes to start their own small dairy business.
The animals will be given without any cost or repayment. This is not a loan or any kind of financial aid. The main goal is to help women become financially independent by using the milk from these animals to earn money from home.
Areas Where the Program Has Started
This program will begin in the following 12 districts:
-
Dera Ghazi Khan
-
Muzaffargarh
-
Rajanpur
-
Layyah
-
Kot Addu
-
Multan
-
Khanewal
-
Lodhran
-
Vehari
-
Rahim Yar Khan
-
Bahawalpur
-
Bahawalnagar
These districts were selected because they have high poverty rates, and many older women there live without any stable income.
Who Can Get These Animals?
The program is made only for women who really need support. You can apply if you:
-
Are 55 years old or older
-
Are widowed or divorced
-
Live in one of the 12 selected districts
-
Have no job or regular income
This support is for women who cannot do hard physical work and need a simple and reliable way to earn from home.
How to Apply for the Program
To make things easy, the Punjab government has provided two ways to apply:
-
Mobile App Registration
A special mobile app has been launched. Women who can use smartphones can register directly through this app. -
CM Helpdesk at Veterinary Hospitals
Women who don’t have a phone or can’t use the app can visit the nearest CM Helpdesk at a veterinary hospital. Staff will help them fill out forms and guide them through the process.
This setup ensures everyone can apply, even those with no digital knowledge.
Why Giving Livestock Helps
In villages, animals like cows and buffaloes are not just pets—they are a way to earn. A buffalo gives milk daily. That milk can be sold or used at home. The animal can also have babies, which increases the woman’s income over time.
This program will help women to:
-
Sell fresh milk daily
-
Start a small dairy business from home
-
Support their families without needing a job
-
Become self-employed and confident
The program has a budget of Rs. 2 billion, and in the first phase, 4,870 animals will be given to around 11,000 women.
Also Read: BISP Kafalat July 2025 Payment Begins Through JazzCash Retailers
A Strong Message from CM Maryam Nawaz
During the launch, CM Maryam Nawaz said:
“This is not a gift. It’s a right. Every woman, no matter where she lives, deserves a chance to live with dignity.”
Her message is clear. The program is not charity—it’s about giving equal rights and opportunities to the women of Punjab.