Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday announced a major welfare initiative for mosque imams while addressing the Punjab CM honorary imams’ ceremony in Lahore, calling ulema the backbone of society and key partners in peace, unity, and governance.

The ceremony was held in Lahore, where honorary cards were distributed among ulema. Maryam Nawaz warmly welcomed the religious scholars and thanked everyone involved in turning the initiative into reality.

She said that whenever society faces a problem, people instinctively turn to religious scholars for guidance. “People say, bring the mosque imam and let him decide,” she remarked, stressing the deep trust the public places in ulema.

Acknowledging role, struggles

The chief minister said she holds the clerics in the highest respect and regretted that society has failed to give them the status they truly deserve. She revealed that she received responses from imams of nearly 70,000 mosques, highlighting the scale of engagement.

Maryam Nawaz noted that even in 2026, many mosque imams are forced to survive on as little as Rs5,000 per month, despite performing invaluable religious and social services. She acknowledged that meeting daily expenses under such conditions is extremely difficult.

Rs25,000 stipend approved on Nawaz Sharif’s direction

The Punjab CM announced that her father and three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had directed that mosque imams should be provided a respectable monthly stipend starting at Rs25,000. From the end of February, Rs25,000 will be transferred monthly to imams through a dedicated honorarium card issued by the Bank of Punjab.

She confirmed that around 70,000 imams have already opened bank accounts.

Transparent, modern payment system

The chief minister explained that the stipend will be transferred directly every month, ensuring simplicity and transparency. Funds can be withdrawn through Bank of Punjab–linked ATMs, eliminating intermediaries and delays.

She described the initiative as a small gift and offering in recognition of the services rendered by Ulema, adding that it reflects the government’s respect for religious leadership.

Partners in governance and reform

CM Maryam emphasized that scholars play a crucial role in training both rulers and the public. She said she personally needs the support and guidance of ulema, noting that consultation with eminent scholars can significantly improve government affairs. She urged scholars to approach the government freely with their concerns, stressing that their voices carry weight and influence across society where the state’s reach is limited.

Addressing criticism, the chief minister said attempts were made to give the initiative a political or negative colour, but those efforts failed. She categorically stated that the program has no political aspect and is purely welfare-driven.

She warned that any disruption between the government and religious scholars leads to societal deterioration and must be avoided.

Islamic identity, minority rights

CM Maryam reiterated that Pakistan is the only country created in the name of Islam and described it as a fortress of Islam. She asked whether Islam allows minorities to live in fear, answering firmly that Islam guarantees safety and dignity for all.

She said promoting unity, peace, and harmony is essential, especially in a country where people of different religions live together.

The chief minister strongly condemned sedition and violence carried out in the name of religion. She said Pakistan’s society has suffered immensely due to such actions, including protests that held the state hostage.

She highlighted incidents where law enforcement personnel were martyred, vehicles were burned across Punjab, properties destroyed, transport routes blocked, and livelihoods disrupted. She questioned how harming innocent people, disabling protectors of the state, and attacking public property could be anything other than disruption and poison for society.

Commitment to law, order, justice

The chief minister said the holy Quran and Hadith strongly condemn corruption and oppression. Regardless of who the oppressor is, she said, it is the state’s responsibility to deliver justice to the oppressed.

She reaffirmed that the state will protect lives with full force and will not allow anyone to compromise national security.

Maryam stated that her government has taken strong steps to eliminate theft, protect women and children, and improve law and order across Punjab. She said sedition will not be allowed to flourish in any form.

She declared that the land of Punjab has become narrow for oppressors and mafias, and that no instigator of chaos will escape the law.

Call for scholars’ support

Concluding her address, the chief minister said serving the country is the responsibility of every Pakistani and respecting the law is essential. While the government cannot reach every corner, she said the voice of ulema reaches everywhere.

She urged eminent scholars to stand with the government in promoting stability, peace, and social harmony.