Punjab’s free livestock scheme: Check who qualifies for free animals

The initiative has been launched on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Under the first phase, eligible women will receive free livestock as part of the government’s efforts to reduce poverty and strengthen rural communities.

The scheme will initially cover Multan, Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Kot Addu, Layyah, Vehari, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan and Taunsa.

According to the Punjab government, only widowed or divorced women living in rural areas who are 55 years of age or younger will be eligible to apply. Applicants’ marital status must be verified by the Punjab Social Protection Authority.

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Officials said women who have received livestock under any government scheme during the past five years will not be eligible for the programme. To make the application process easier, the government has established support desks at veterinary hospitals, animal health centres and Chief Minister Facilitation Desks across the selected districts.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said bringing rural women into the economic mainstream is essential to reducing poverty and improving the financial well-being of families across Punjab. The government expects the scheme to help women achieve financial independence by providing them with livestock that can serve as a sustainable source of income.