Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the introduction of a new Honorarium Card for Mosque Imams, marking a significant reform in how religious leaders across the province will receive their monthly payments. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister in Lahore.
Under the new plan, the honorarium card system will be fully launched by February 2026, with a firm deadline in place for its implementation across Punjab. Maryam Nawaz also directed that payments must begin from January 1, and that the very first disbursements will be issued through pay orders before transitioning to the digital card system on February 1, 2026.
Large-Scale Registration and Verification Underway
The chief minister emphasized that the registration of imams must continue smoothly and without interruption. So far, 62,994 registration forms have been received from across Punjab, and the verification process is actively in progress.
Officials clarified that any imam found involved in activities against national interests or in criminal, ethical, or financial violations will have their honorarium immediately terminated. This condition aims to ensure transparency and accountability within the system.
New Committees for Mosque Management
As part of broader administrative reforms, the Punjab government has also established Mosque Management Committees and Tehsil Management Committees throughout the province. Assistant Commissioners have been instructed to hold monthly meetings with local imams to address concerns, strengthen coordination, and ensure effective oversight.
Security and Law Enforcement Measures
Another key decision included initiating the legal process for stricter action against individuals who damage Safe City cameras or government property. Legislation is being drafted to enable tougher penalties for such offenses.
Maryam Nawaz also ordered that operations against illegally residing Afghan nationals in Punjab should continue without disruption, as part of an ongoing provincial effort to regularize residency and strengthen internal security.
A Step Toward Modernized Religious Administration
The introduction of the Honorarium Card is being viewed as a modernized and transparent approach to managing financial support for mosque imams—ensuring secure payments, organized records, and better oversight. The government hopes the system will streamline the longstanding issues surrounding imam compensation while promoting good governance at the community level.
