The Punjab government has introduced an innovative Livestock Card initiative, allocating a Rs2 billion package to empower women in rural areas of the province.
Announcing the program, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlighted its goal of creating dignified employment opportunities for women in 12 districts. Under the initiative, 11,000 women will receive free cows and buffaloes, enabling them to achieve economic independence and secure sustainable livelihoods for their families.
The program will benefit rural women in Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpura, and Kot Addu. At the launch event, CM Maryam stated, “This initiative offers destitute women in villages a chance to earn a respectable income by raising livestock.”
Additionally, the program will offer 80,000 cattle farmers interest-free loans of Rs27,000 per animal, with repayment facilitated through easy installments. Beneficiaries will also be able to purchase mineral mixtures and silage through registered dealers using the Livestock Card.
Highlighting its broader impact, CM Maryam noted that the initiative is expected to prepare 400,000 animals for meat exports, boosting Pakistan’s economy.
This program reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to rural development and women’s empowerment through sustainable and impactful initiatives.