Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday launched the distribution of Honorarium Cards for mosque imams across the province.

Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore, she said the initiative will benefit imams of approximately 70,000 registered mosques, who will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs25,000 through the cards starting February.

The programme carries an annual cost of around Rs20 billion.

Bank accounts for the imams have already been opened at the Bank of Punjab, and registration is ongoing for over 80,000 mosques of all sects in the province.

CM Maryam highlighted the vital role of mosque imams in guiding society and youth, stressing that curbing social discord is not the government’s responsibility alone.

“I need the support of imams; no mischief will be allowed to flourish. The state will honour the sacrifices of its martyrs,” she said.

The chief minister also addressed attempts to politicise the honorarium programme, saying the initiative is purely welfare-driven and aimed at strengthening social cohesion.