The Punjab Imam Honorarium Scheme has entered its second phase as the provincial government expands registration for mosque imams across Punjab. The Punjab Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed that Phase II will include areas not covered earlier, allowing more eligible imams to receive a monthly honorarium.
Under the Punjab Imam Honorarium Scheme, registered mosque imams will be paid Rs. 25,000 per month through a structured and transparent process.
Strong Start to Phase II Registration
The Punjab government has officially launched Phase II of the Chief Minister’s Honorarium Card registration for mosque imams. This phase aims to bring remaining divisions, districts, cities, and tehsils into the program. Officials said the expansion includes all six districts of Rawalpindi Division, where imams were not registered during the first phase.
The move is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure province-wide coverage and equal access to financial support for religious leaders.
Who Is Covered in Phase II
Expanded Geographic Inclusion
Phase II of the Punjab Imam Honorarium Scheme focuses on areas missed earlier due to administrative or documentation delays. Officials stated that mosque imams from remaining districts across Punjab are now eligible to apply and complete registration.
Authorities emphasized that no eligible imam should be left out due to location or sect, as the scheme applies to mosques from all recognized schools of thought.
Monthly Honorarium and Disbursement Method
Rs. 25,000 Monthly Support
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif recently announced that honorarium payments will begin from next month. Each registered imam will receive Rs. 25,000 per month under the scheme.
Payments will be made through designated honorarium cards linked to individual bank accounts, ensuring transparency and ease of access.
Bank Accounts Already Opened
According to the chief minister, bank accounts for registered imams have already been opened with the Bank of Punjab. This step allows direct and timely transfer of funds without intermediaries.
Scale and Financial Impact of the Initiative
Punjab has more than 80,000 mosques across the province. Officials confirmed that nearly 70,000 registration forms have already been received so far.
The government estimates that the Punjab Imam Honorarium Scheme will cost around Rs. 20 billion annually. The chief minister described the initiative as a recognition of the social and religious services provided by mosque imams.
Purpose and Future Outlook
Ensuring Inclusion and Financial Stability
The primary goal of Phase II is to ensure that all eligible mosque imams are formally registered and financially supported. Officials said the government remains committed to completing the registration process swiftly.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged remaining imams to complete registration to benefit from the scheme as payments begin in the coming weeks.
