Punjab Launches Phase 2 of CM Honorarium Card for Mosque Imams
The Punjab government has officially launched Phase 2 of the Chief Minister Honorarium Card program for mosque imams, expanding the registration process to remaining areas of the province. Under this scheme, eligible and registered imams will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs. 25,000.
The initiative is being implemented by the Punjab Ministry of Religious Affairs and aims to ensure that all mosque imams across Punjab are brought under a structured financial support system. Phase 2 targets divisions, districts, cities, and tehsils that were not covered in the first phase.
Officials say this phase is crucial to completing province-wide registration and ensuring equal inclusion of imams from urban as well as rural areas.
What Is the CM Honorarium Card Program?
The CM Honorarium Card is a welfare initiative launched by the Punjab government to provide regular financial assistance to mosque imams. The program recognizes the role of imams as community leaders who provide religious guidance, social support, and moral leadership.
Through this program:
- Each registered imam receives Rs. 25,000 per month
- Payments are made through a dedicated honorarium card
- Funds are transferred directly into bank accounts
- The system ensures transparency and timely payments
The scheme is one of the largest welfare initiatives for religious leaders in Punjab’s history.
Why Phase 2 Was Launched
Phase 1 of the program covered a large number of mosques, but many areas were left out due to incomplete data, delayed submissions, or administrative limitations.
Phase 2 has been launched to:
- Cover remaining divisions and districts
- Include mosques not registered earlier
- Ensure no eligible imam is excluded
- Complete province-wide coverage
According to officials, all six districts of Rawalpindi Division are included in Phase 2, along with several other cities and tehsils across Punjab.
Areas Covered in Phase 2
The Punjab Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed that Phase 2 includes:
- Remaining divisions not covered earlier
- All districts of Rawalpindi Division
- Cities and tehsils with pending registrations
- Mosques from urban and rural regions
This expansion is expected to significantly increase the total number of registered imams under the program.
Statement by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
Earlier this month, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced that the honorarium payments would begin from next month.
While speaking at a card distribution ceremony in Lahore, she said that imams of approximately 70,000 registered mosques would receive monthly financial support under the scheme.
She emphasized that the program reflects the government’s commitment to supporting religious scholars and strengthening the social fabric of Punjab.
Monthly Honorarium and Annual Cost
Under the CM Honorarium Card program:
- Each imam will receive Rs. 25,000 per month
- Payments will be made regularly through official channels
- The estimated annual cost of the program is around Rs. 20 billion
Despite the high financial commitment, the Punjab government has stated that this investment is essential for social welfare and community stability.
Bank of Punjab Role in the Program
To ensure transparency, the Punjab government has partnered with the Bank of Punjab for the financial operations of the program.
Key steps already completed include:
- Opening of bank accounts for registered imams
- Issuance of honorarium cards
- Setup of secure payment channels
This system reduces the risk of delays, corruption, or middlemen involvement.
Mosque Registration Status in Punjab
According to official data:
- Punjab has more than 80,000 mosques across all sects
- Nearly 70,000 registration forms have already been received
- Thousands of mosques are expected to be added in Phase 2
Officials believe the second phase will help close the remaining gap and bring most mosque imams under the program.
Eligibility Criteria for Imams
Although detailed eligibility guidelines are managed by the Religious Affairs Department, generally:
- The imam must be officially serving at a mosque
- The mosque should be registered with relevant authorities
- Required documents must be submitted during registration
- Verification may include physical checks
Only verified and approved applicants will receive the honorarium card.
Registration and Verification Process
The registration process involves multiple steps to ensure fairness:
- Submission of registration form
- Data review by authorities
- Verification of mosque and imam details
- Approval by the department
- Issuance of honorarium card
Phase 2 focuses on processing pending and new registrations efficiently.
Importance of the Program for Imams
For many mosque imams, especially in smaller towns and villages, regular income is limited. The CM Honorarium Card provides:
- Financial stability
- Dignity and recognition
- Support for household expenses
- Reduced dependence on donations
Religious leaders have welcomed the initiative, calling it a positive step toward acknowledging their role in society.
Government’s Broader Welfare Vision
The Punjab government has described the program as part of a broader vision to:
- Strengthen social institutions
- Support community leaders
- Promote transparency in welfare programs
- Ensure inclusive development
Officials say similar structured programs may be introduced for other community roles in the future.
Challenges and Expectations
While the program has been widely appreciated, some challenges remain:
- Completion of pending registrations
- Ensuring timely verification
- Addressing complaints and appeals
- Maintaining accurate records
The government has assured that Phase 2 will be managed more efficiently based on lessons learned from Phase 1.
What Happens Next
With Phase 2 now launched:
- Registration efforts will accelerate
- More imams will receive cards
- Payments are expected to start from next month
- Province-wide coverage is likely to be achieved soon
Authorities have urged eligible imams to complete registration as early as possible.
What is the New Card Scheme of CM Punjab?
The new card scheme of CM Punjab refers to the Chief Minister Honorarium Card program, launched to provide monthly financial support to mosque imams across Punjab. Under this scheme, eligible and registered imams receive a fixed honorarium every month through a dedicated card linked with their bank account. The program aims to support religious leaders financially, recognize their role in society, and ensure transparent distribution of funds through an organized banking system.
What is CM Honorarium Card 2026?
The CM Honorarium Card 2026 is a welfare initiative of the Punjab government under which mosque imams are given a monthly honorarium of Rs. 25,000. The card is issued after verification and is connected to the Bank of Punjab for smooth and timely payments. In 2026, the scheme is being expanded through Phase 2 to cover remaining districts, cities, and tehsils, ensuring that more imams across Punjab can benefit from the program.
How Can I Register for CM Scheme 2026 Online?
To register for the CM Honorarium Card Scheme 2026, eligible mosque imams must complete the official registration process initiated by the Punjab Ministry of Religious Affairs. Registration includes submitting required details and documents through the designated government channels, followed by verification of the mosque and the imam. Once approved, a bank account is opened with the Bank of Punjab, and the honorarium card is issued for monthly payments.
Conclusion – Punjab Launches Phase 2 of CM Honorarium Card for Mosque Imams
The launch of Phase 2 of the CM Honorarium Card for Mosque Imams marks a significant expansion of one of Punjab’s most important welfare initiatives. By extending registration to remaining areas, the government aims to ensure fairness, inclusion, and financial security for religious leaders across the province.
With a monthly honorarium of Rs. 25,000, transparent banking channels, and strong administrative backing, the program is set to benefit tens of thousands of mosque imams. As Phase 2 progresses, it is expected to bring Punjab closer to complete coverage and set an example for similar initiatives nationwide.
