The Punjab government on Monday announced monthly stipends for prayer leaders (imams) across 65,000 mosques in the province.

The decision, first of its kind, was taken at a meeting chaired by the Punjab Chief Minister on law and order — the fifth consecutive session on the subject — during which several decisions were taken.

During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz said that the imam of a mosque is a highly respected and honourable figure in society, and it is inappropriate for communities to collect donations to pay their imams.

She announced that the Punjab government would provide financial support to imams to meet their essential needs.

Maryam Nawaz also directed that mosque construction and renovation projects be included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and instructed for their early completion.

Following her directives, repair and maintenance work on connecting roads to Raiwind — the site of the annual religious congregation — has been completed.

Special bus services will be operated for participants of the congregation, and foolproof security arrangements have also been finalised.

The chief minister further instructed deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to personally visit and meet local imams to address their concerns.

The meeting also gave in-principle approval for the establishment of a Cybercrime Cell in Punjab and ordered strict enforcement against the illegal use of loudspeakers.