CM Honorarium Card for Imams Punjab - Rs. 25,000 monthly stipend for mosque imams

CM Honorarium Card for Imams Punjab 2026: Rs. 25,000 Stipend & Eligibility

For decades, most mosque imams in Punjab carried out their religious and community duties on inconsistent, often very small donations — in many cases, as little as Rs. 5,000 a month. To address this long-standing gap, the Government of Punjab launched the Chief Minister Honorarium Card for Imams, providing a fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 to registered imams across the province through a transparent, digital payment system.

Here's a complete look at what the program offers, who qualifies, and how imams can register and receive payments.

What Is the CM Honorarium Card for Imams?

Officially framed as the "Wazeer-e-A'ala Punjab Ay'zazya Program Baraye Imam Masjid Sahibaan," the Honorarium Card is a structured welfare initiative that replaces inconsistent, informal community payments with a fixed, government-disbursed monthly stipend. Payments are made through the Bank of Punjab, either via direct bank transfer or a dedicated debit card, eliminating cash handling and reducing opportunities for delays or mismanagement.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, addressing the launch ceremony, described serving imams through this initiative as an honor, noting that religious scholars are turned to by communities during both moments of joy and grief, and that meeting even basic daily expenses on a small stipend had become extremely difficult for many.

CM Honorarium Card for Imams: Key Details

Monthly Stipend	Rs. 25,000
Target Beneficiaries	Around 70,000 registered mosque imams
Annual Program Cost	Approximately Rs. 20–21 billion
Disbursement Bank	Bank of Punjab
Payment Method	Direct bank transfer, later transitioning to a dedicated honorarium debit card
Rollout Start	January 1, 2026 (first payments via pay order)
Total Disbursed So Far	Over Rs. 9 billion disbursed as of mid-2026
Rollout Phases	Phase I covered most divisions; Phase II extended coverage to remaining districts, including all six districts of Rawalpindi Division

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is based on formal service verification rather than informal community endorsement. According to the official policy framework, applicants generally need to meet the following conditions:

Be a serving imam who leads congregational prayers five times a day at a registered, active, and functional mosque.
Hold a valid, unexpired CNIC.
Submit a duly signed Home Department MOSQUES Form-2 as part of the registration process.
Pass the required verification steps, which may include biometric confirmation and third-party validation as part of a tightened vetting framework.
The program also extends recognition to Khateebs and Moazzins serving in registered mosques, in addition to Imams.

Because the vetting process includes security screening and multi-tier accountability checks, applicants should ensure their documentation — particularly CNIC validity and mosque registration status — is fully in order before applying.

How Imams Can Register and Receive Payment

Confirm your mosque's registration status with the relevant local or district religious affairs office.
Complete and submit the Home Department MOSQUES Form-2, along with your CNIC and supporting service documentation.
Ensure a Bank of Punjab account is opened in your name, as this is the designated channel for honorarium disbursement.
Undergo the verification process, which may include biometric checks as part of the accountability framework.
Once approved, receive your monthly stipend via bank transfer or the dedicated honorarium debit card, depending on your rollout phase.

Imams in areas covered under Phase II — including the six districts of Rawalpindi Division and other previously uncovered tehsils — should check with local authorities for the latest registration windows in their area.

Why This Program Matters

Financial dignity: A fixed, predictable stipend replaces reliance on small, irregular community donations.
Transparency: Digital bank transfers reduce the risk of delayed, partial, or mismanaged payments compared to older manual systems.
Recognition of service: The program formally acknowledges the wider social role imams play — from leading prayers to guiding families through difficult times.
Scale: With around 70,000 imams targeted and billions of rupees already disbursed, this is one of the largest religious-welfare initiatives of its kind in Pakistan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the monthly honorarium?
Registered imams receive a fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 through the Bank of Punjab.

How many imams does the program cover?
The program targets approximately 70,000 registered mosque imams across Punjab, out of more than 80,000 mosques of all sects in the province.

Are Khateebs and Moazzins also eligible?
Yes, the program extends support to Khateebs and Moazzins serving in registered mosques, in addition to Imams.

What documents are required to register?
Applicants generally need a valid, unexpired CNIC and a duly signed Home Department MOSQUES Form-2, along with proof of active service at a registered mosque.

How is the honorarium paid?
Payments are made through the Bank of Punjab, initially via pay order and later transitioning to direct bank transfers or a dedicated honorarium debit card.

Disclaimer: This post is an independent informational guide and not an official government publication. For registration, verification, and payment status, please contact your local Home Department office, Union Council, or the Bank of Punjab branch handling your account.

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