LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Wednesday that the Punjab government was committed to economic empowerment of rural women through the Free Livestock Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing poverty across the province.

On the chief minister’s directives, distribution of free livestock has commenced in the first phase for eligible rural women in 13 districts, including Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Taunsa, Bahawalnagar, Khanewal, Vehari, Lodhran, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Layyah, Kot Addu and Bahawalpur.

Under the programme, widowed and divorced rural women up to 55 years of age will be eligible to receive free livestock. Applicants must have their marital status verified by the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA), while women who have already benefited from any government livestock scheme during the past five years will not be eligible.

To facilitate applicants, chief minister facilitation desks have been established at nearby veterinary hospitals and animal health centres. Eligible women can also submit applications online through the official portal, attrw.punjab.gov.pk.

The chief minister said integrating rural women into the mainstream economy was essential to tackling poverty and ensuring inclusive development.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2026