Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz launches veterinary internship programme

Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has unveiled the province’s first-ever large-scale veterinary internship program, designed to offer valuable training and employment opportunities to 1,000 young professionals, including veterinary graduates and para-veterinarians.

With a substantial allocation of Rs600 million, the initiative aims to strengthen the livestock and dairy sectors by equipping fresh graduates with hands-on experience in the field.

Under this newly introduced program, graduates holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree—recognized by the Higher Education Commission—will receive a monthly stipend of Rs60,000.

Meanwhile, individuals who have completed a two-year Livestock Assistant Diploma (LAD) will be granted Rs40,000 per month during the course of their internship. Interested and eligible candidates can apply through the official government job portal at www.jobs.punjab.gov.pk.

The chief minister highlighted that specific quotas have been assigned for Veterinary Assistants, Laboratory Technicians, and Artificial Insemination (AI) Technicians across all 36 districts of Punjab.

This approach is intended to ensure equal access and representation throughout the province.

According to Maryam Nawaz, the internship will serve a dual purpose—enhancing the professional skills of young veterinarians while simultaneously delivering much-needed animal healthcare services to farmers at the grassroots level.

She expressed confidence that this strategic move would not only develop skilled human resources in the veterinary and livestock sectors but also contribute to increasing milk and meat production across Punjab.

Such growth, she added, could play a meaningful role in improving Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings.

The chief minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to harnessing the full potential of Punjab’s livestock industry and pledged continued support for farmers in the future.