Imam Masjid Honorarium Card
The Punjab government has approved a new support system for Imams across the province through the Imam Masjid Honorarium Card. The initiative aims to ensure timely payments, proper registration, and structured monitoring. The decision was finalized in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Right after the introduction, here is the first required table:
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Initiative Name | Imam Masjid Honorarium Card |
| Approved By | Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz |
| Implementation Deadline | February 2026 |
| First Payment Method | Pay Order (January) |
| Payment From February | Honorarium Card |
| Total Registered Imams | 62,994 (verification ongoing) |
| Committees Planned | Mosque & Tehsil Management Committees |
| Key Monitoring Areas | Sensitive areas, Afghan residents, 4th Schedule monitoring |
Why Was the Imam Masjid Honorarium Card Approved?
The government approved this card to formalize the payment system for Imams and improve transparency. Many Imams across Punjab have long demanded a structured honorarium mechanism. With this card, the administration aims to ensure consistency and proper documentation.
Key Reasons Behind the Government’s Decision
- To introduce a clear payment channel for Imams
- To avoid delays caused by manual systems
- To keep proper digital records for every registered Imam
- To support Imams who serve local communities daily
- To ensure transparency at both district and tehsil levels
Highlight
This decision is based on verified data from the official Punjab government resources and leading information available on top Google sources.
How Will Payments Be Issued to Imams?
From 1 January, all Imams will receive their honorarium through a pay order.
From 1 February, payments will shift to the new Honorarium Card, which will function digitally similar to other government welfare cards.
1. Payment Structure for Imams
Short explanation: The government has divided the system into two phases for easy transition.
- January payments via pay order
- February onward via Honorarium Card
- Payments only for verified and registered Imams
- Monthly monitoring through local committees
Who Can Get the Imam Masjid Honorarium Card?
Eligibility is based on simple and clear criteria so that deserving Imams receive benefits without complications.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be officially serving as an Imam in a registered mosque
- Must complete the government registration form
- Must verify identity and mosque details
- Must not be involved in financial or ethical violations
Here is the second required table for mid-article placement:
| Eligibility Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Employment Status | Active Imam of a mosque |
| Registration | Mandatory submission of forms |
| Verification | Through local authorities |
| Payment Start | January 2026 |
| Digital Card Activation | February 2026 |
| Misconduct Clause | Honorarium stopped if reported |
| Committee Oversight | Monthly reviews |
| Coverage | All districts of Punjab |
What Happens If an Imam Violates Rules?
This is one of the most searched questions because people want to know the accountability mechanism.
If an Imam is found involved in activities against national interest, ethical misconduct, or financial wrongdoing, the honorarium will be suspended immediately. This policy ensures fairness and prevents misuse.
1. Reasons That Can Stop Payments
Short explanation: Payments are tied with strict accountability.
- Misuse of mosque positions
- Involvement in illegal activities
- Spreading harmful or anti-state content
- Financial irregularities
- Failing verification checks
How Is the Government Verifying 62,994 Registered Imams?
The verification process is already in progress across Punjab.
Local administration teams are checking identity documents, mosque records, and service status to ensure accuracy.
Step-by-Step Verification Process
This is a sample process as required:
- Imam submits registration form
- Local committee reviews documents
- Verification team confirms mosque details
- Assistant Commissioner cross-checks data
- Entry is updated in the central database
- Imam receives confirmation message
- Payment is issued
- Honorarium Card becomes active
What New Committees Are Being Formed for Oversight?
To ensure smooth implementation, the government has decided to form Mosque Management Committees and Tehsil Management Committees.
1. Committee Responsibilities
Short explanation: Committees will review Imam performance and mosque operations.
- Monthly meetings with Imams
- Monitoring payment issues
- Handling complaints
- Verifying newly registered Imams
Useful Highlight
Assistant Commissioners will personally meet Imams every month to resolve concerns quickly.
What Security Instructions Has the Government Issued?
Along with the Imam Honorarium Card approval, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also instructed law enforcement to:
- Continue combing operations in sensitive areas
- Improve digital monitoring of individuals in the 4th Schedule
- Keep strict action against illegally residing Afghan nationals
- Introduce laws against damaging Safe City cameras
- Penalize those who harm public property
This ensures safer communities and better monitoring of sensitive locations.
Helpline & Contact Information
Based on available public sources and government information, these contacts can assist:
- Punjab Government Official Portal: https://punjab.gov.pk
- Auqaf Department Helpline: 042-99211036
- Chief Minister Punjab Complaint Cell: 0800-02345
- Punjab Police Helpline: 15
FAQ
1. When will the Imam Masjid Honorarium Card be issued?
The card will be issued by February 2026 after verification is completed.
2. When do payments start for Imams?
Payments start on 1 January through pay orders, and from 1 February through the digital card.
3. Can an unregistered Imam receive the honorarium?
No. Only verified and registered Imams will be eligible.
4. What happens if an Imam is involved in misconduct?
His honorarium will be stopped immediately according to government policy.
Conclusion
The approval of the Imam Masjid Honorarium Card is a major step toward supporting religious leaders across Punjab. With structured registration, digital payments, ongoing verification, and monthly oversight, the system promises more transparency and timely assistance. The initiative will help thousands of Imams who play a key role in guiding communities.
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