Punjab’s government has launched the CM Honorarium Card — a major welfare program to financially support mosque imams across the province. This initiative has quickly become one of the most talked-about public welfare moves of early 2026.
Under this scheme, registered mosque imams will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs. 25,000, delivered through a secure, transparent card system. The program aims to modernize payments, improve financial dignity for religious leaders, and bring accountability to honorarium disbursement.
Fast Facts: What’s New (News Angle)
• Official rollout: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz formally inaugurated the card distribution.
• Payments began: Honorarium started from January 1; full digital card payments expected by February 2026.
• Phase II launched: Recent expansion includes more districts and imams yet to register.
What Is the CM Honorarium Card?
The CM Honorarium Card is a government-issued, digital payment card for eligible mosque imams. Instead of manual pay orders or cash, the monthly stipend is transferred directly to the imam’s card — similar to a debit card — making payments fast, traceable, and transparent.
This transition strengthens digital governance and helps eliminate delays or misuse of funds.
Purpose: Why This Scheme Matters
The main goals of the CM Honorarium Card are:
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Financial support: Provide steady monthly income for mosque imams.
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Transparency: Eliminate cash loopholes and paperwork delays.
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Accountability: Funds go directly to verified imams only.
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Dignity & inclusion: Recognize the role of religious leaders in community welfare.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the CM Honorarium Card, applicants must:
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Be an officially appointed imam of a mosque in Punjab.
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Mosque should be registered with local authorities.
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Possess a valid CNIC and pass government verification.
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Maintain good conduct — no record of misconduct or criminal involvement.
Officials have emphasized that any imam involved in moral or financial wrongdoing will have honorarium payments immediately suspended.
Benefits: What Imams Get
Registered mosque imams under this scheme will receive:
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Rs. 25,000 per month, paid directly via the Honorarium Card.
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Secure, PIN-based digital access to funds.
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Automatic disbursement — no need to visit government offices monthly.
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Transparent transaction records for accountability.
This support reduces financial stress and helps imams better focus on religious and community duties.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
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Registration: Imams must register with local religious affairs or auqaf departments.
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Verification: Government teams verify identity, mosque registration, and CNIC details.
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Card Issuance: Once cleared, the Honorarium Card is issued with monthly deposits.
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Use: Imams can withdraw funds from ATMs or use the card as needed.
The government set February 2026 as the target to complete card distribution province-wide.
FAQs
1. What is the CM Honorarium Card?
A welfare card providing monthly honorarium to mosque imams in Punjab.
2. How much is the monthly honorarium?
Rs. 25,000 per eligible imam.
3. When do payments start?
Payments began January 1 and fully transition to the card by February 2026.
4. Who can apply?
Officially appointed imams with valid CNIC and mosque registration.
5. What disqualifies an imam?
Misconduct, criminal involvement, or work against national interests.
