The Punjab government will begin distributing free cows and buffaloes to widowed and divorced women in South Punjab from October 21, 2026, under the Chief Minister’s Livestock Asset Transfer Scheme.
The initiative aims to support rural women by providing them with livestock that can help generate income through milk production and livestock farming. The programme is designed to create opportunities for women to improve their financial independence and support their families.
According to the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), a total of 3,380 women will receive livestock during the scheme’s second phase. The selected beneficiaries were determined through a computerised lottery conducted on October 14, 2026.
The government has allocated approximately Rs. 3 billion for the initiative. The funding is intended to support the distribution programme and help eligible women establish income-generating activities through livestock ownership.
Cows and buffaloes can provide rural households with a source of milk for both personal consumption and commercial sale. The income generated from dairy products can help women contribute to household expenses and develop small-scale livestock businesses.
The scheme focuses on widowed and divorced women in South Punjab, where livestock farming plays an important role in rural livelihoods. By providing productive assets, the programme aims to give beneficiaries an opportunity to earn rather than relying solely on financial assistance.
Applicants can check their eligibility and selection status online by entering their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) details through the relevant online service.
The use of a computerised lottery is intended to support the selection process, while the online verification facility allows applicants to check their status without needing to visit government offices.
The second phase builds on the government’s efforts to expand economic opportunities for rural women through livestock ownership. The programme is expected to provide selected beneficiaries with resources to begin or strengthen small-scale dairy activities.
