Maryam Nawaz Honorary Card for Mosque Imams: Punjab Government’s Landmark Welfare Scheme 2026
The Government of Punjab has launched a historic and highly impactful welfare initiative for religious leaders under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Known as the Chief Minister Punjab Honorary Card for Mosque Imams, this scheme is designed to provide monthly financial assistance of PKR 25,000 to Imams, Khateebs, and Moazzins across Punjab.
This initiative marks a turning point in the recognition of religious services by the state, ensuring dignity, financial independence, and economic stability for those serving mosques and communities. With modern banking integration, transparent distribution, and a large beneficiary base, the scheme is being widely described as one of the most significant religious welfare programs in Punjab’s history.
Overview of the Chief Minister Punjab Honorary Card Scheme
The Maryam Nawaz Honorary Card is a government-issued financial card that allows eligible mosque Imams and related religious officials to receive a monthly stipend directly through ATM withdrawal. The payments are processed via the Bank of Punjab, ensuring transparency and eliminating middlemen.
The scheme aims to support up to 66,000 registered religious leaders across Punjab, making it one of the largest government-backed financial support programs for mosque officials in Pakistan.
Vision Behind the Scheme
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized that mosque Imams play a vital role in shaping moral values, promoting unity, and guiding society. Despite their contributions, many religious leaders have long faced financial insecurity.
This welfare program reflects the Punjab government’s vision to:
✅ Acknowledge religious services formally
✅ Provide sustainable monthly financial support
✅ Introduce digital and transparent welfare mechanisms
✅ Strengthen social harmony through economic stability
The scheme also aligns with broader welfare reforms aimed at digitization, accountability, and social justice.
Monthly Stipend: PKR 25,000 for Mosque Imams
Under this program, each eligible Imam, Khateeb, or Moazzin receives PKR 25,000 per month. This amount is intended to help cover basic living expenses and reduce financial stress, allowing religious leaders to focus fully on their community and spiritual responsibilities.
Unlike traditional grants or irregular aid, this is a regular monthly honorarium, providing long-term financial predictability.
Who Can Benefit from the Honorary Card?
The scheme is specifically designed for:
✅ Mosque Imams
✅ Khateebs (Friday sermon leaders)
✅ Moazzins (call-to-prayer officials)
Applicants must be officially associated with registered mosques in Punjab and meet the eligibility criteria defined by the government. The aim is to ensure that only genuine and active religious servants benefit from the program.
Total Beneficiaries: Up to 66,000 Imams
According to official information, the Punjab government plans to support up to 66,000 mosque officials under this scheme. This large-scale coverage highlights the seriousness of the initiative and its potential impact on religious communities across urban and rural Punjab.
Transparent Digital Payment System
One of the most praised aspects of the Maryam Nawaz Honorary Card is its fully transparent digital payment system.
Key Payment Features:
✅ Payments issued through the Bank of Punjab
✅ ATM-based cash withdrawal
✅ No cash handling or intermediaries
✅ Secure and traceable transactions
✅ Reduced chances of corruption or favoritism
This modern system ensures that funds reach beneficiaries directly, on time, and without complications.
Launch Timeline: January 2026
The scheme officially begins in January 2026, with card issuance and payment processing starting shortly afterward. Registration, verification, and card distribution are being managed in phases to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Social and Economic Impact of the Scheme
The introduction of a guaranteed monthly stipend for mosque Imams is expected to have far-reaching effects:
Strengthening Religious Institutions
Stable income enables Imams to focus on religious education, sermons, and community guidance without financial anxiety.
Poverty Reduction
For many mosque officials living on donations, the stipend provides a reliable income stream.
Financial Inclusion
By integrating Imams into the formal banking system, the scheme promotes financial literacy and inclusion.
Community Stability
Economically secure religious leaders can better contribute to peace, harmony, and moral guidance.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Leadership and Welfare Vision
Since assuming office, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has prioritized welfare-driven governance, focusing on marginalized and service-oriented segments of society. The Honorary Card for Imams complements other social initiatives aimed at healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
This program reflects a leadership style centered on:
✅ Respect for religious institutions
✅ Modern governance tools
✅ Transparent public spending
✅ Inclusive social policies
Why This Scheme Is Considered Historic
Several factors make this initiative groundbreaking:
✅ First large-scale monthly stipend program for mosque Imams in Punjab
✅ Digital, ATM-based payment mechanism
✅ Massive beneficiary coverage
✅ Clear recognition of religious services by the state
For decades, mosque officials relied mainly on community donations. This scheme represents a shift toward institutional support and dignity-based welfare.
Future Outlook
The Punjab government has hinted that the scheme may be further expanded in the future, potentially increasing coverage, enhancing benefits, or introducing additional welfare services for religious leaders.
If implemented successfully, the Maryam Nawaz Honorary Card could become a model for other provinces and inspire nationwide reforms for religious welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Maryam Nawaz Honorary Card for Imams?
It is a Punjab government welfare card that provides a monthly stipend of PKR 25,000 to mosque Imams, Khateebs, and Moazzins.
2. How much monthly stipend do Imams receive?
Eligible beneficiaries receive PKR 25,000 per month.
3. Who launched the Imam Honorary Card scheme?
The scheme was launched by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
4. When will the payments start?
Payments are scheduled to begin from January 2026.
5. Which bank issues the Honorary Card?
The card is issued through the Bank of Punjab.
6. How will Imams receive the money?
Funds can be withdrawn directly through ATM machines using the Honorary Card.
7. How many Imams will benefit from this scheme?
Up to 66,000 mosque officials across Punjab will benefit.
8. Is the scheme limited to Imams only?
No, Khateebs and Moazzins are also included.
9. Is this a permanent monthly stipend?
The scheme is designed as a regular monthly honorarium, subject to government policy.
10. Why is this scheme important?
It provides financial security, dignity, and official recognition to religious leaders who serve communities across Punjab.
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