LAHORE: In a landmark decision, the Punjab government has announced it will provide a government stipend to all 65,000 mosque imams across the province.
This historic move was announced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who highlighted the human dignity behind the decision. “The imam holds a respected and dignified position in society,” she stated, adding that “collecting donations from the neighborhood to pay the imam is an inappropriate matter.” The Chief Minister affirmed that the Punjab government will now provide financial assistance to imams to help meet their needs.
These significant decisions were made during the fifth consecutive high-level meeting on law and order, chaired by the Chief Minister.
In addition to the stipends, the meeting also formally included projects for the construction and repair of mosques in the Annual Development Programme (ADP), with directives issued for their speedy completion.
Furthermore, key measures were approved for the upcoming annual Tablighi Ijtima (congregation) in Raiwind. Repair work on all connecting roads to the site has been completed, and special bus services will be operated for attendees.
The Chief Minister ordered foolproof security for the congregation and instructed senior administration officials, including Deputy Commissioners, to personally visit and coordinate with the imams.
The meeting also gave principal approval for establishing a new cybercrime cell in Punjab and directed authorities to ensure a crackdown on the illegal use of loudspeakers. This initiative has been praised by religious circles.
It is noteworthy that a similar, though smaller-scale, initiative was announced by the Khykeber Pakhtunkhwa government in 2
