Economic Survey shows growth in cattle, buffalo and goat populations as livestock sector strengthens its contribution to agriculture
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s estimated livestock population continued to expand during fiscal year 2025-26, with the combined number of major livestock species reaching nearly 244.36 million, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26.
The latest estimates indicate growth across most major livestock categories, reinforcing the sector’s vital role in supporting agricultural output, food security, employment and rural livelihoods.
Cattle and buffalo numbers continue to rise
The Economic Survey estimated Pakistan’s cattle population at 61.96 million in FY2025-26, up from 59.7 million in FY2024-25 and 57.5 million in FY2023-24.
Similarly, the buffalo population increased to 49.1 million, compared with 47.7 million in the previous fiscal year and 46.3 million in FY2023-24.
Goat population exceeds 91 million
Goats remained Pakistan’s largest livestock category, with their population rising to 91.8 million in FY2025-26 from 89.4 million a year earlier and 87 million in FY2023-24.
The sheep population also recorded modest growth, reaching 33.5 million, compared with 33.1 million in FY2024-25 and 32.7 million in FY2023-24.
Among other livestock species, the camel population remained unchanged at 1.2 million, while the number of horses stayed stable at 0.4 million.
The asses population increased to 6.2 million from 6 million in the previous year, whereas the mule population remained unchanged at 0.2 million.
Estimated livestock population (million head)
| Species | FY2023-24 | FY2024-25 | FY2025-26 |
| Cattle | 57.5 | 59.7 | 61.96 |
| Buffalo | 46.3 | 47.7 | 49.1 |
| Sheep | 32.7 | 33.1 | 33.5 |
| Goats | 87.0 | 89.4 | 91.8 |
| Camels | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| Horses | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Asses | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.2 |
| Mules | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
New agricultural census establishes updated baseline
The Economic Survey noted that the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has released livestock headcount data under the 7th Agricultural Census 2024-25, establishing a new official baseline for the country’s livestock sector.
According to the census, Pakistan’s livestock population comprises:
• Cattle: 55.8 million
• Buffalo: 47.7 million
• Sheep: 44.5 million
• Goats: 95.8 million
• Camels: 1.5 million
The Survey explained that production parameters based on the latest census are still being reconciled. Until the final production report is completed, the government will continue using inter-censal growth rates derived from the 1996 and 2006 Livestock Census to estimate annual livestock numbers.
Livestock remains agriculture’s largest contributor
Livestock continues to be the largest component of Pakistan’s agriculture sector, making a substantial contribution to agricultural value addition, food security, employment and rural incomes.
The continued increase in livestock numbers reflects the sector’s steady expansion, although future official estimates are expected to be updated once production parameters are fully aligned with the findings of the latest agricultural census.