The Punjab government has disbursed Rs14.5 billion to mosque imams under the Chief Minister’s Imam Masjid Sahibaan Honorarium Programme, as authorities continue efforts to improve the scheme’s administration and payment system.
More than 76,000 mosques have been registered across the province, while the process of geo-tagging mosques is still underway. The provincial government has allocated more than Rs20 billion annually for the programme.
The progress was reviewed at the fifth meeting of the programme’s steering committee, held at the Punjab Home Department on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, who also heads the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order.
Punjab Allocates Over Rs20 Billion Annually
Speaking at the meeting, Rafique described mosque registration as a major administrative undertaking that the Punjab Home Department had successfully completed.
He said mosque imams played an important role in nation-building, while mosques contributed to promoting peace, tolerance and positive social values. He expressed confidence that the programme would deliver lasting benefits for future generations.
The annual allocation of more than Rs20 billion reflects the scale of the provincial initiative. However, the amount disbursed so far and the annual allocation represent separate figures, with the Rs14.5 billion covering payments already made under the scheme.
More Than 76,000 Mosques Registered
Secretary Home Punjab Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi briefed the committee on the programme’s implementation, including registration, payment arrangements and the handling of beneficiaries’ complaints.
According to the briefing, registration has been completed for more than 76,000 mosques across Punjab. Geo-tagging is continuing with assistance from field administrations.
The department said the payment mechanism had been designed to make the distribution of honoraria more transparent and convenient. Complaints submitted through the programme’s online portal are also being addressed.
For readers seeking official departmental information, the Punjab Home Department website provides an official government reference.
Online Support and Payment Issues
The government is introducing a chatbot to help mosque imams obtain information and resolve problems related to the programme.
The steering committee directed the Bank of Punjab and the Punjab Information Technology Board to address issues affecting the online application process without delay.
The move is intended to make the system easier to use and help beneficiaries resolve administrative problems more efficiently.
The meeting also highlighted a requirement concerning bank account activity. Mosque imams were advised to complete at least one transaction every three months to keep their accounts active and prevent interruptions in honorarium payments.
Beneficiaries who experience payment delays or account-related problems should confirm the applicable requirements with their bank or the relevant programme authorities.
The government’s next administrative priorities include completing the geo-tagging process, resolving online application issues and ensuring that eligible mosque imams can receive their honoraria without unnecessary disruption.
