Punjab pays Rs14.5bn to mosque Imams, registers 76,000 mosques

The Punjab government has disbursed more than Rs14.5 billion in honorariums to mosque imams since January 2026 under its Chief Minister’s Imam Masjid Honorarium Programme, as authorities push ahead with mosque registration, digital monitoring and measures aimed at promoting peace across the province.

More than 76,000 mosques have been successfully registered under the initiative, while geotagging of mosques is progressing rapidly, according to a Punjab government statement issued on October 20.

The programme is part of the provincial government’s broader effort to strengthen social harmony and recognise the role of religious leaders in promoting peace through their sermons and positions within local communities.

The progress was reviewed at the fifth meeting of the programme’s steering committee, held at the Home Department and chaired by Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique.

Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi briefed participants on implementation, financial disbursements, registration and other operational aspects of the initiative.

Officials from the Home Department, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), Bank of Punjab, Counter Terrorism Department, Special Branch, Auqaf Department and other relevant institutions attended the meeting.

Rs20bn annual allocation

Speaking at the meeting, Rafique said the Punjab government was providing more than Rs20 billion annually in honorariums under the programme.

He described mosque registration across the province as a major administrative challenge, crediting the Home Department with completing the process effectively.

The minister expressed confidence that the initiative would produce long-term benefits for future generations and praised the departments and officials involved in its implementation.

He said mosque imams could play an important role in fostering peace and responsibility through their sermons and engagement with communities.

Digital system under review

The steering committee also examined different aspects of the programme’s implementation, including the online application system and the process for addressing applicants’ concerns.

Rafique directed the Bank of Punjab and PITB to resolve outstanding issues related to the online application promptly, highlighting the importance of ensuring smooth access for eligible beneficiaries.

Qazi said the Home Department was closely monitoring the programme in line with the provincial government’s instructions.

He added that the honorarium distribution mechanism had been designed to make the process transparent, accessible and convenient. Complaints submitted through the online portal were also being addressed promptly, he said.

Chatbot planned for mosque imams

In another step towards improving communication, the Home Department is introducing a chatbot to answer questions from mosque imams and provide timely guidance about the programme.

The planned service is intended to help beneficiaries obtain information and resolve queries more conveniently, complementing the existing online portal.

The continued registration and geotagging of mosques, alongside digital payment and complaint-handling arrangements, remain key elements of the programme’s implementation.

The government has framed the initiative as both financial support for mosque imams and part of its wider commitment to building a peaceful Punjab.

With billions of rupees already disbursed and registration completed for more than 76,000 mosques, the next phase will focus on resolving technical issues, improving communication with beneficiaries and maintaining transparency in the distribution system.