Punjab govt to give Rs25,000 monthly honorarium to imams via bank accounts

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday announced that imams from 70,000 mosques across the province will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 25,000 directly into their bank accounts. The move comes as part of an initiative covering nearly 80,000 mosques in Punjab.

Addressing a ceremony for the distribution of honorarium cards, Nawaz said preventing religious hatred and sectarianism is the responsibility of all clerics. She said that some people have promoted discord in the name of religion, leading to unrest in society and the deaths of Rangers and police personnel.

“The amount may be modest, but it will ease the lives of imams. A simple and transparent system has been established for disbursing the honorarium,” she said. The accounts will be opened in Punjab Bank from the end of February to strengthen communication between the government and religious leaders.

Nawaz emphasized that curbing sectarian discord is not solely the government’s responsibility, adding that support from religious scholars is also essential. She referred to recent incidents in which vehicles and public property were set on fire and roads blocked, warning against justifying such acts in the name of religion.

She urged imams to convey the government’s message to the public and help maintain unity and peace, and assured that the state would protect people’s lives and property while ensuring justice for the oppressed.

The chief minister also highlighted the importance of following traffic regulations, saying it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent accidents and ensure a safe society.

Web Desk