By Commerce Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s livestock sector continued its upward trajectory during the past year, with fresh official data showing increases in the population of major livestock and working animals, reflecting the sector’s growing importance for agriculture, transportation and rural livelihoods.
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According to newly released figures from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country witnessed notable increases across multiple animal categories, including buffaloes, goats, sheep, camels, horses, mules and donkeys.
Among working animals, the donkey population registered another increase during the past year, continuing a trend observed in recent years. Official figures showed that donkey numbers rose by approximately 113,000 animals, increasing from 6.047 million to 6.16 million nationwide.
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The increase comes as donkeys continue to play a crucial role in transportation, agriculture and small-scale commercial activities, particularly in rural and remote areas where mechanized transport remains limited.
Buffaloes, one of Pakistan’s most valuable livestock assets due to their importance in milk production and agriculture, also recorded significant growth.
Statistics showed that around 1.417 million buffaloes were added during the year, raising the national buffalo population from 47.688 million to 49.105 million animals.
The latest figures also revealed strong growth in smaller livestock categories. Sheep numbers increased by approximately 392,000 animals, while goat populations saw one of the largest increases, rising by around 2.422 million.
Goats remain among the most widely raised animals in Pakistan because of their importance for meat production, household income and rural farming communities.
Meanwhile, camel populations also increased during the year, with official data showing an addition of around 16,000 animals.
Other working animals also posted moderate growth, with horse populations increasing by around 3,000 animals while mule numbers rose by approximately 4,000.
The continued expansion in livestock numbers highlights the growing contribution of the livestock sector to Pakistan’s broader economy, particularly in rural areas where millions of households depend on animals for income generation, food production and transportation.
Livestock remains one of the largest contributors to Pakistan’s agricultural economy and continues to serve as an important source of employment, exports and food security.
Analysts say the latest figures reflect sustained demand for livestock products and demonstrate the sector’s resilience despite economic pressures and rising production costs faced by farmers in recent years.
The updated statistics underline the increasing role livestock continues to play in supporting agricultural growth and sustaining rural livelihoods across the country.
