CM Punjab Approves Honorary Cards for Imams – Full Detailed Report

The Punjab government has taken a major step toward improving the administrative and financial support system for mosque imams across the province. Chief Minister Marium Nawaz has officially approved the issuance of honorary cards for imams, ensuring that payments will begin from January 1 through a transparent, digitized system. For the first time in Punjab’s history, these honorarium payments will be issued through pay orders, marking a shift toward a more documented and accountable process.

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Public interest in this development has been rising, with online searches increasing for “imam honorarium Punjab,” “CM Punjab imam card,” “imam salary 2025 Punjab,” “imam registration form Punjab,” “honorary card for imams,” and “Punjab mosque administration reforms.” This detailed report explains everything citizens need to know about the new decision, including registration updates, payment method changes, administrative monitoring, legal reforms, and the overall impact on Punjab’s religious affairs system.

Why Punjab Is Issuing Honorary Cards for Imams

Punjab’s mosques are central to religious, community, and social life, and the role of imams is vital for maintaining discipline, education, and community guidance. However, many imams—especially those serving in small mosques—have historically faced financial difficulties due to irregular or insufficient payments.

To address this, CM Marium Nawaz has approved a fully documented, province-wide honorary card system, which will:

• Ensure timely honorarium payments
• Verify the authenticity of registered imams
• Create a transparent record of mosque leadership
• Prevent fraudulent claims
• Improve accountability for misconduct
• Enhance coordination between government and religious leadership

This shift is part of Punjab’s broader governance strategy to modernize administrative systems while supporting key community service providers.

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Honorarium Payments to Begin from January 1

One of the most important parts of the new system is that imams will begin receiving honorarium payments from January 1. This includes all verified and registered imams across Punjab’s districts.

Key Features of the New Payment System

• Payments will be issued through pay orders
• Financial disbursement will be fully documented
• Monthly payments will be more consistent and secure
• Each imam must possess an official honorary card
• Payments will be tied to verification status and conduct reports

This ensures that only legitimate, verified, and active imams receive the honorarium.

Deadline for Issuing Honorary Cards

The Punjab Chief Minister has set a strict deadline to ensure the system is implemented smoothly.
According to the meeting:

• Honorary cards must be issued by February 2025
• From February 1, all payments will be processed exclusively through the new card system
• Any imam without a verified honorary card will not receive the monthly honorarium

This timeline gives local administrations a clear path to complete the verification and processing of applications.

Registration Drive for Imams in Punjab

Punjab authorities have launched a large-scale registration campaign for imams.
So far:

• 62,994 registration forms have been received
• Verification of applications is currently underway
• Continuous registration will remain open

This means any unregistered imam can still apply through relevant district offices.

Why Verification Is Important

Verification ensures:

• The imam is officially serving at a registered mosque
• No duplicate payments are issued
• Fraud and impersonation are prevented
• The imam has good conduct and fulfills religious responsibilities

The verified list will later be integrated into Punjab’s digital administrative database.

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Misconduct Will Lead to Immediate Suspension

CM Marium Nawaz made it clear that the honorarium will be stopped immediately for any imam involved in:

• Moral misconduct
• Financial irregularities
• Criminal offenses
• Encouraging conflict or extremism
• Violating mosque administrative rules

This clause ensures that only respectable, responsible, and community-oriented imams continue to receive government support.

Mosque Management Committees Strengthened

Punjab has already established mosque management committees across districts and tehsils. These committees will:

• Oversee mosque affairs
• Monitor the performance of imams
• Resolve community complaints
• Ensure cleanliness, discipline, and administration
• Report misconduct or mismanagement

These committees will cooperate with district administrations and assistant commissioners.

Monthly Meetings with Imams Ordered

CM Marium Nawaz instructed assistant commissioners to:

• Conduct mandatory monthly meetings with imams
• Review administrative issues
• Provide updates on government policies
• Maintain coordination regarding security and social harmony
• Share instructions for religious events and gatherings

This direct communication model aims to strengthen relationships between the administration and religious leadership.

Combing Operations in Sensitive Areas

Punjab has several sensitive zones where security risks can arise due to:

• unregistered mosques
• unauthorized religious gatherings
• extremist elements attempting influence
• undocumented residents

To address these challenges, CM Punjab has ordered continuous combing operations, especially in areas prone to unrest or illegal activities. Imams will be briefed and may assist authorities by reporting suspicious behavior.

New Laws to Protect Government Property

During the meeting, it was also decided that new provincial laws will be introduced to take strict action against:

• vandalism
• damage to government buildings
• misuse of CCTV cameras
• tampering with security equipment

These laws will help protect public property and ensure that CCTV systems installed for security functions remain operational and safe from misuse.

Digital Monitoring of Fourth Schedule Individuals

Another key directive from the Chief Minister was related to individuals listed under the Fourth Schedule, who are under government watch due to suspected extremist affiliations or involvement in criminal activity.

Punjab authorities will:

• Strengthen digital monitoring
• Track movements through surveillance systems
• Use data analytics for threat assessment
• Enhance coordination between police and intelligence units

This is part of a broader strategy to improve public safety and prevent extremist activity.

Action Continues Against Illegal Afghan Migrants

The Punjab government confirmed that operations against illegally residing Afghan nationals will continue. Steps include:

• Checking residence documents
• Deportation of undocumented individuals
• Collaboration with federal agencies
• Monitoring mosque activities to prevent misuse

Imams have been instructed not to accommodate individuals without proper documentation.

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Impact of the New System on Religious Affairs in Punjab

The introduction of honorary cards and the modernization of imam payments will bring several benefits:

1. Financial Stability for Imams

A consistent honorarium allows imams to focus on:

• leading prayers
• teaching children
• guiding the community
• resolving disputes

2. Improved Administrative Control

The government can now maintain accurate records of:

• active imams
• mosque committees
• disciplinary issues
• payment histories

3. Reduction in Fraud and Misuse

The verified card system reduces:

• duplicate claims
• ghost imams
• fraudulent payments

4. Strengthened Community Governance

Better coordination will improve:

• community discipline
• religious harmony
• local dispute resolution

5. Enhanced Security Measures

Regular monitoring and collaboration ensure:

• safer mosques
• improved vigilance
• stronger counter-extremism measures

Conclusion About CM Punjab Marium Nawaz Cards:

The decision of CM Punjab Marium Nawaz to approve honorary cards for imams marks a major milestone in the modernization of mosque administration in the province. With payments being issued from January 1 and a fully documented system launching in February, Punjab aims to bring transparency, accountability, and stability to the honorarium structure.

The new system strengthens monitoring, improves communication between administration and religious leaders, and sets clear standards for ethical conduct. Combined with enhanced security measures, new laws, and digital monitoring, this initiative is expected to greatly improve religious governance and community welfare across Punjab.

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