In a bold move to strengthen rural livelihoods and empower women, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has officially launched Phase 2 of the Punjab Livestock Program in May 2025. This groundbreaking initiative follows the successful rollout of Phase 1, expanding outreach, enhancing transparency, and promoting long-term rural sustainability through livestock distribution and digital inclusion.
Background: Building on the Success of Phase 1
Phase 1 of the Punjab Livestock Program distributed over 5,500 healthy livestock animals to eligible rural women across 12 districts of South Punjab. The initiative had a significant impact on household income, food security, and economic inclusion. Encouraged by this success, the government has launched Phase 2 with a wider scope, greater funding, and more robust monitoring mechanisms.
Primary Objectives of Phase 2
The second phase of this program aims to:
Empower low-income rural women through livestock ownership
Provide interest-free financial assistance for livestock care
Promote sustainable dairy farming practices
Encourage digital access via mobile technology
Create new income streams and jobs in rural Punjab
Salient Features of Punjab Livestock Program Phase 2
Interest-Free Livestock Loans
Loan Limit: Up to PKR 270,000 per household
Usage: Animal feed, healthcare, shelter, and dairy supplies
Repayment: Flexible, interest-free installments
Access Mode: Through the Livestock Card (smart subsidy system)
Free Livestock Distribution
Total Distribution: 300,000 animals across South Punjab
Beneficiaries: Widows, divorced women, low-income households
Districts Covered: 12 districts (listed below)
Verification: Physical inspection by Urban Unit teams
Livestock Card Program
Provides access to veterinary services and loan utilization
Digitally links farmers with service providers
Helps track purchases, subsidies, and repayments via mobile app
Punjab Livestock CONNECT App
Real-time updates on vaccinations, feed supplies, and training
Complaint registration, feedback system, and helpline support
Increases transparency and improves user experience
Eligibility Criteria for Phase 2 (2025)
Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify:
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General Eligibility:
Resident of Punjab
Owns 5–10 livestock animals
Valid CNIC and SIM (registered in applicant’s name)
No default on prior government loans
Specific for Women:
Widow or divorced
Under 55 years of age
Residing in one of the 12 listed districts
PMT (Poverty Means Test) score under 32
Targeted Districts for Implementation
Livestock distribution and support services are focused on:
- Multan
- Bahawalpur
- Muzaffargarh
- Lodhran
- Bahawalnagar
- Khanewal
- Dera Ghazi Khan
- Rajanpur
- Rahim Yar Khan
- Vehari
- Layyah
- Kot Addu
Step-by-Step Registration & Application Process
Step 1 – SMS Registration
Send your CNIC number via SMS to 8070.
Step 2 – Field Verification
Urban Unit staff will visit your location to verify information and check eligibility.
Step 3 – Card Issuance
If verified, you’ll receive a Livestock Card to access services and credit.
Step 4 – Livestock Distribution
After card issuance, you’ll be invited to collect livestock and attend training sessions.
Documents Required for Verification
Prepare the following before applying:
- Original CNIC
- Proof of marital status (widow/divorce certificate)
- Mobile number registered with CNIC
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Utility bill or proof of residence
Timeline for Phase 2 Implementation
Registration Period: May 15 – June 15, 2025
Verification Phase: June 9 – July 10, 2025
Loan Disbursement Begins: July 15, 2025
Program Duration: 6 months (July–December 2025)
Additional Support Services Offered
The program goes beyond animal distribution:
Veterinary Care: Free vaccination and routine check-ups
On-site Training: Animal care, milk production, feeding practices
Digital Support: Training through the Punjab Livestock CONNECT app
Community Engagement: Peer learning and farmer groups
Oversight and Monitoring for Transparency
To ensure accountability:
- Real-time data dashboards monitored by CM office
- Third-party field verification (Urban Unit)
- Random audits and inspection teams
- Complaint redressal system via app and helpline
- Government Budget & Livestock Sector Expansion
The Punjab government has proposed a budget of PKR 12 billion to support:
Expansion of the Livestock Card scheme
- Creation of a Foot and Mouth Disease-Free Zone in Bahawalnagar
- Internship programs for young veterinary professionals
- Herd transformation strategies for productivity enhancement
Transformative Impact on Rural Punjab
Women Empowerment
By transferring asset ownership to women, the program boosts their self-reliance and status in the household.
Income Generation
Daily milk sales offer a steady income source to rural families.
Improved Nutrition
Access to fresh milk improves dietary intake and child nutrition.
Digital Inclusion
The app-based system helps bridge the digital divide in rural areas.
Rural Job Creation
New jobs are being created in transport, feed supply, veterinary services, and dairy collection networks.
FAQs – Punjab Livestock Program 2025
Q1: Can I apply if I haven’t repaid my loan from Phase 1?
A1: No. All outstanding loans must be cleared by May 15, 2025, to be eligible for Phase 2.
Q2: How will I be informed of approval?
A2: Approved applicants will receive confirmation via SMS from 8070.
Q3: Is livestock training available?
A3: Yes, training is provided both through physical workshops and the Livestock CONNECT app.
Q4: What if I was eligible but didn’t get my Livestock Card in Phase 1?
A4: You will automatically be considered for Phase 2 after re-verification.
Final Thoughts: A Future-Focused, Woman-Centric Rural Revolution
The Punjab Livestock Program Phase 2 is more than a subsidy program—it’s a mission to uplift rural communities, particularly women, by transforming livestock into a sustainable source of income and empowerment. By merging traditional livestock practices with modern tools and oversight, the initiative is setting new benchmarks in public service delivery.
Applicants are encouraged to complete their registration promptly, ensure accuracy of their documents, and stay connected via the 8070 SMS system for updates. With this visionary initiative, Punjab is paving the way for inclusive economic growth, digital literacy, and food security—one household at a time.
Stay tuned to official government announcements for ongoing updates and support.