Pakistan’s livestock population reached 251.3 million in 2024, while the number of cattle rose 89% over 18 years, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics said in its latest agricultural census.
The 7th Agricultural Census 2024 counted 55.86 million cattle, 47.74 million buffaloes, 44.58 million sheep and 95.83 million goats across the country.
Cattle numbers increased from 29.56 million in the 2006 Livestock Census to 55.86 million in 2024. The number of cows aged three years or above rose 112%, while in-milk cows increased 140%, according to PBS.
Pakistan’s buffalo population climbed 75% to 47.74 million from 27.33 million in 2006. In-milk buffaloes increased 111% during the same period.
The goat population rose 78% to 95.83 million, while sheep numbers increased 68% to 44.58 million. Goats remained the country’s largest livestock category, followed by cattle and buffalo.
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Punjab recorded the largest shares of cattle, buffaloes and goats, while Balochistan held the biggest shares of sheep and camels, the census showed.
PBS conducted the census through an integrated digital system using tablets, geo-tagging, digital maps and real-time monitoring dashboards. The agency said the results would support evidence-based agricultural planning, food-security policies and rural development.
The livestock sector’s importance for Pakistan’s agricultural economy, rural employment and food security.
