The Free Livestock Programme Punjab 2026–2027 aims to help deserving rural women earn an income and become more financially independent. Selected women may receive a cow or buffalo from the Punjab government without paying for the animal. It is intended for widowed and divorced women in covered rural areas. This initiative is separate from the CM Punjab Livestock Card, which has a different purpose and portal.
What Is the Free Livestock Programme?
Officially described as the CM Punjab’s Empowering Rural Women Through Livestock Support programme, this scheme provides a cow or buffalo to women who meet the published conditions and are selected.
The animal may help a household develop an income source. However, recipients must also provide suitable shelter, feed, clean water and veterinary care. Applicants should consider these daily responsibilities before applying.
The programme is for Punjab, not all of Pakistan. People in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Islamabad should contact their own relevant government departments about local support.
Districts Included in the Programme
Dawn reported on July 23, 2026, that distribution had started for eligible widowed and divorced rural women in 13 districts: Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Taunsa, Bahawalnagar, Khanewal, Vehari, Lodhran, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Layyah, Kot Addu and Bahawalpur.
PITB reported on October 16, 2026 that Phase II balloting took place on October 14, 2026, with 3,380 rural women selected for free cows and buffaloes, and distribution scheduled from October 20, 2026.
Coverage may vary by phase, and living in a listed district does not guarantee an animal. Confirm the latest position with the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department or the official portal.
Free Livestock Scheme Eligibility Criteria
The published 2026 conditions include:
- The applicant must be a rural woman living in Punjab.
- She must be widowed or divorced and up to 55 years old.
- Marital status must be verified by the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA).
- She must not have received livestock through a government scheme in the previous five years.
- She must live within the programme’s designated geographical coverage.
- She must complete the required verification.
Meeting these conditions does not guarantee selection. Approval depends on official checks, available allocations and the programme’s selection process. Submitting an application does not mean an animal has been approved.
How to Apply Online
The reported portal is attrw.punjab.gov.pk. Check whether applications are currently being accepted before entering personal information.
Apply or check status only through the official Free Livestock Programme portal
First, confirm your district is covered and review the eligibility conditions. Keep your CNIC and documents for identity, residence and marital status ready. Enter details accurately, complete verification and save any reference number provided.
Then wait for the official selection or balloting result. If you cannot apply online, ask a nearby government veterinary hospital or authorised livestock facilitation desk for assistance.
No single universal closing date was established in source information up to October 18, 2026. Application periods may differ by phase, so check the official portal instead of social media dates.
Free Livestock Programme vs. CM Punjab Livestock Card
Free Livestock Programme: Offers a cow or buffalo to selected rural women who meet its conditions. Its reported portal is attrw.punjab.gov.pk.
CM Punjab Livestock Card: Gives eligible livestock farmers interest-free credit for approved feed, including wanda, silage and mineral mixtures. Its portal is plc.punjab.gov.pk. Interest-free does not mean free money; the borrower must repay the principal.
Do not use the Livestock Card portal to apply for the free livestock scheme.
Scam Warnings: Protect Your Information
Use only the official programme route and confirm details with the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department. Do not pay agents promising guaranteed selection or faster approval; advance payment demands are a warning sign.
Never share CNIC details, bank information or one-time passwords (OTPs) with unofficial agents. Avoid registration links from unknown people. An SMS or social media message from an unfamiliar number is not proof of approval.
Before applying, verify the latest eligibility rules, district coverage and application status through official channels, and if selected, make sure you can provide proper care for the animal.
