ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) announced on Tuesday that it has completed the first phase of a livestock program it launched earlier to empower vulnerable families in Pakistan, saying the package has benefitted 1,000 households. 

KSrelief launched the program, titled: ‘Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable Households in Pakistan through Livestock Provision Project’ last month. The Saudi agency aims to reduce poverty and promote self-reliance among Pakistani families affected by economic hardship and natural disasters by providing livestock, poultry and practical training in animal care and small-scale income generation.

The first phase of the program was implemented by the Peach and Development Organization in collaboration with the Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department (RRSD) of the provincial disaster management authority across four districts of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. KSrelief said around 7,250 individuals benefited from the first phase. 

“Under this phase, 1,000 beneficiary households from Lower Chitral, Upper Chitral, Lower Dir and Upper Dir received a livelihood support package consisting of two vaccinated goats, four bags of silage and training provided by the Livestock Department to enable sustainable livestock-based income generation,” KSrelief said in a press release. 

KSrelief said it is planning the second and third phase of the project, which would focus on supporting vulnerable households in KP’s Swat, Swabi, Haripur and Mansehra cities. 

These households will be given 25 poultry birds per family, along with a complete poultry kit and training on poultry management and income generation. 

“Additionally, families in Charsadda, Mardan, and Nowshera will be assisted with cattle, silage and hands-on training in animal care and dairy production to strengthen their livelihood opportunities,” the Saudi agency added. 

KSrelief said its livestock project continues to promote self-reliance, improved nutrition and long-term economic stability among vulnerable communities in Pakistan. 

Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, has been one of Pakistan’s largest humanitarian partners, contributing to flood recovery, health, education and livelihood programs across the country. The livestock project expands that cooperation by helping rural households in KP, a province frequently affected by floods and displacement, to rebuild economic stability and reduce dependence on aid.