Maryam formally launches livestock card

PAKPATTAN/LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has formally launched the first-ever livestock card in Pakistan’s history.

During a ceremony in Pakpattan on Thursday, she distributed the ‘Chief Minister Livestock Cards’ to farmers. On her arrival, the farmers welcomed her with a grand reception, featuring traditional horse dances performed to the rhythm of drums and flutes.

The chief minister interacted with farmers, who shared their thoughts on the utility of livestock card. She also met with assembly members from the Sahiwal division, who praised her for fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of Punjab’s farming community.

Provincial Minister for Livestock and Dairy Development Ashiq Hussain highlighted that record progress has been made in the agriculture and livestock sectors in the past year. Through the livestock card, farmers will receive interest-free loans for four months, amounting to Rs27,000 per animal. A total of Rs4.4 billion have been allocated for the programme, with plans to distribute Rs11 billion to 15,000 farmers over two years. The Feedlot Programme aims to include 400,000 livestock within the same period.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also inaugurated several road projects in Pakpattan, built at a cost of over Rs8 billion. “These roads will benefit millions by facilitating transportation and boosting economic activities in the region,” she said. “These projects will improve access to Motorway M-3, Bahawalnagar, and Qabula while enhancing infrastructure in Pakpattan and surrounding districts.”

Speaking at the livestock card launch, Maryam Nawaz emphasized the government’s commitment to public welfare: “We are committed to realising the vision of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. Public funds are now being utilised for the people’s benefit.”

The chief minister also highlighted Punjab’s achievements in wheat production, livestock vaccination and economic recovery.

“Pakistan’s economy is stabilising, inflation is decreasing and microeconomic indicators are improving. The Punjab government remains focused on reducing flour and bread prices to support the common man,” she added.

The chief minister expressed her commitment to modernising the livestock sector. She announced that 90,000 additional livestock cards would be distributed next year, with the scope of the programme set to expand. “Through the livestock card, we aim to meet domestic needs and export quality meat and milk. Investments from Gulf countries are also pouring into the livestock sector,” she said.

Reflecting on her leadership journey, CM Maryam Nawaz expressed gratitude for the guidance of Nawaz Sharif and pledged to continue working for the betterment of Pakistanis.

“Punjab’s farmers are thriving, and their prosperity speaks volumes about our efforts. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling promises and addressing the needs of the people,” she said.

The Punjab chief minister, without naming her political opponents, said that “those who, when they step up, rise against the country, and when they open their mouths, utter indecent remarks and abuses, have foot-and-mouth disease. We will not only treat animal diseases but also treat the diseases that many political parties have.”

Maryam Nawaz said that people used to say that a nation does not progress by constructing roads, but development can never happen without roads. Today, public money is seen being spent on the people. The previous government also had money, where has that money gone?