Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has formally approved the launch of the Chief Minister Honorarium Card for Imam Masjid Sahib, a major welfare initiative designed to streamline and regulate honorarium payments to mosque Imams across the province. The decision came during a briefing session where officials updated the CM on progress, challenges, and registration status.
Honorarium Payments
The Punjab government confirmed that monthly honorarium payments will start on January 1, 2026.
- The first payment (for December) will be issued through pay orders, ensuring immediate disbursement.
- From February 1, 2026, all payments will be fully integrated into the new Imam Honorarium Card system.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the system must be up and running without delays, calling it a “priority project” for the welfare of thousands of mosque Imams.
Registrations Received
During the briefing, officials shared that 62,994 registration forms have been submitted by Imams across Punjab.
These applications are currently under verification to ensure that payments reach only eligible and legitimate beneficiaries.
The CM ordered that the registration process remain open and uninterrupted, encouraging more Imams to enroll before the card rollout begins.
Strict Oversight and Monitoring Mechanisms
To ensure transparency, Maryam Nawaz approved multiple oversight layers:
1. Mosque Management Committees
These committees will supervise operations at the mosque level, verify attendance, and maintain discipline and accountability.
2. Tehsil-Level Management Committees
These bodies will handle escalated issues, verify documentation, and ensure uniform implementation across Tehsils.
3. Monthly Coordination Meetings
The government directs Assistant Commissioners to hold monthly meetings with Imams to monitor the scheme, address concerns, and prevent mismanagement.
Zero Tolerance for Misconduct
The CM clearly stated that the government will adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding:
- Activities deemed against national interests
- Any form of moral misconduct
- Financial malpractice or fraudulent claims
The government will immediately suspend the honorarium of any Imam involved in such violations.
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Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
Maryam Nawaz highlighted the importance of accountability, stating that the purpose of the scheme is to support Imams financially — not to encourage misuse of government funds.
She urged institutions to practice strict monitoring, maintain records, and ensure that “every eligible Imam gets their rightful honorarium, and no undeserving individual enters the system.”
Future Roadmap: Full Rollout by February 2026
With the Honorarium Card expected to be distributed by February 2026, the government aims to fully transition to a digital, streamlined, and monitored payment system.
This shift will eliminate delays, prevent errors, and provide Pakistan’s mosque Imams with financial stability and recognition.
Conclusion
CM Maryam Nawaz’s approval of the Imam Honorarium Card marks a significant welfare advancement in Punjab. With tens of thousands of Imams registered, strict oversight mechanisms in place, and a clear rollout roadmap, the initiative aims to bring transparency, dignity, and regular financial support to one of society’s most important religious roles.
