The CM Honorarium card is now again under the limelight as Government of Punjab formally implements the Phase II of this landmark welfare program to mosque imams. The program was announced under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to make religious leaders in the province financially stable, dignified, and recognized.
In this program, the mosque imams are given monthly honorarium of Rs. 25,000 considering a stable financial aid by following a transparent and traceable system.
Phase II is being referred to as a massive extension to Phase I that saw the uncovering of thousands of mosques and has been being meant to have nothing left behind of the eligible imams.
What is the CM Honorarium Card Program?
The CM Honorarium Card is a provincial welfare program that has been initiated by the Punjab government to take care of the mosque imams who work with the communities, but do not always have a reliable source of income.
Through a card-based disbursement system:
- Registered imams receive Rs. 25,000 per month
- Payments are processed transparently
- Funds are transferred directly to designated cards
- Record-keeping ensures accountability
Such a systematized payment system minimizes time waste, misappropriation and provides frequent economic support.
CM Honorarium Card Phase II: What’s New?
Phase II is a significant growth point of the initiative. This phase according to the official sources brings on board all the remaining districts, tehsils and mosques that were not covered in the initial rollout.
Areas Included in Phase II
- All six districts of Rawalpindi Division
- Remaining tehsils across Punjab
- Mosques that were not registered in Phase I
The objective is clear: expand coverage across the entire province and ensure equal access to financial support.
Why Phase II Matters
During Phase I, many mosque imams were unable to register due to:
- Lack of awareness
- Incomplete documentation
- Administrative or logistical challenges
Phase II aims to correct these gaps and ensure broader inclusion.
Key Objectives of Phase II
- Complete province-wide imam registration
- Provide equal access to the CM Honorarium Card
- Strengthen financial stability for mosque leaders
- Improve transparency in honorarium distribution
Official Announcement and Government Commitment
In the beginning of this month, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved that the payments made in CM Honorarium Card scheme would come into effect in the next month.
While addressing a distribution ceremony in Lahore, she stated:
- Around 70,000 registered mosques will be covered
- Each eligible imam will receive Rs. 25,000 per month
- The total estimated annual cost of the initiative is Rs. 20 billion
This makes the CM Honorarium Card one of the largest religious welfare programs in Punjab’s history.
How the CM Honorarium Card System Works
The card-based payment structure ensures:
- Direct bank-linked transfers
- Elimination of middlemen
- Proper financial tracking
- Reduced chances of misuse
This digital approach modernizes welfare disbursement and aligns with broader efforts toward governance transparency.
Impact on Religious Leadership in Punjab
For many mosque imams, financial instability has long been a challenge. The CM Honorarium Card provides:
- Consistent monthly income
- Recognition of religious services
- Economic security for families
- Improved focus on community guidance
Advocates of the program indicate that solid religious leadership is also a solid community development and social harmony.
Conclusion
CM Honorarium Card Phase II introduction is a major development of the religious welfare system in Punjab. Covering outstanding districts and including everyone in the registration process, the government will make the mosque imams financially dignified and stable throughout the province.
Phase II with 70000 mosques projectable to be served and a 20 billion yearly allocation is a significant move towards a transparent and inclusive assistance of the religious leaders in Punjab.
