For decades, mosque imams have quietly carried the weight of their communities-leading prayers, counselling families, guiding moral choices, and shaping social norms-while often struggling to make ends meet. Many survived on small, irregular donations, which are mostly far below what is needed to meet basic household expenses. Their societal influence contrasted sharply with their economic vulnerability, a paradox that the Punjab government has now decisively addressed.

With the launch of the Chief Minister Punjab Honorarium Card, more than 66,000 registered imams across the province will now receive a monthly honorarium of Rs25,000. For the first time in the province’s history, mosque leaders are being formally integrated into a transparent, state-supported system of regular income through digital payments. Beneficiaries will have access to ATM-enabled cards, combining convenience with accountability. The programme, costing around Rs20 billion annually, signals a serious and sustained commitment to social welfare, far beyond a routine stipend. Unveiled by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore, the initiative has been widely praised for its vision and foresight. At the launch ceremony, she described the hardships faced by mosque imams and underscored the government’s duty to provide them a dignified livelihood. She revealed that while an initial proposal suggested a lower stipend, it was raised to Rs25,000 on the advice of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, ensuring that the support is meaningful rather than symbolic.

The Honorarium Card........

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