CM Punjab Honorarium Card for Imams Scheme 2026: Complete Guide to Benefits, Eligibility, Registration & Payments

The CM Punjab Honorarium Card for Imams (also referred to as Chief Minister Punjab Honorarium Card or Imam-e-Masjid Honorarium Scheme) is a landmark welfare initiative launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in January 2026. This program recognizes the vital role of mosque imams (prayer leaders) in guiding communities, promoting peace, and fostering social harmony across Punjab.

For the first time in Punjab’s history, the government is providing a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 25,000 to registered imams of mosques. The scheme targets approximately 66,000 to 70,000 imams province-wide, with an annual budget exceeding Rs 1.2 billion to Rs 20 billion (depending on final registrations). Payments are made digitally through a dedicated Honorarium Card (issued via Bank of Punjab), ensuring transparency, dignity, and direct bank transfers.

Key Objectives of the Scheme

Honor and financially support mosque imams for their community service.
Promote religious harmony, prevent sectarianism, and strengthen ties between government and religious leaders.
Ensure transparent, digital payments with no middlemen.
Recognize imams as guardians of moral and social values in society.

Benefits of CM Punjab Honorarium Card for Imams

Benefit	Details
Monthly Honorarium	Rs 25,000 fixed amount per registered imam
Payment Method	Direct transfer to Bank of Punjab account via Honorarium Card
Card Features	ATM-enabled for easy cash withdrawal; secure and transparent
Annual Government Cost	Over Rs 1.2 billion (up to Rs 20 billion based on registrations)
Coverage	~66,000–70,000 imams across Punjab’s ~80,000 mosques
Additional Perks	Dignified recognition; no deductions or conditions (except conduct rules)

Payments began via pay orders in January 2026, with full digital transfers through cards starting from late February 2026 (card issuance process targeted for completion by February 2026).

Eligibility Criteria Honorarium Card for Imams Scheme 2026

The scheme is for registered imams (Pesh Imam or Khatib) serving in mosques across Punjab. Key requirements include:

Must be the primary imam (prayer leader) of a registered/recognized mosque in Punjab.
Valid CNIC and proof of service/registration with local mosque committee or Auqaf/Religious Affairs department.
No involvement in anti-state activities, extremism, sectarianism, or unethical conduct (as per government policy).
Mosque should be operational and verified (Punjab has ~80,000 mosques; positive responses from ~70,000 during registration).
Priority for those in need, but open to all qualifying imams.

Ineligible/Disqualification: Any imam found promoting discord, involved in unlawful activities, or misusing the honorarium will have payments suspended immediately.

Registration & Application Process 2026

Registration was largely completed in late 2025/early 2026 through a dedicated drive by the Punjab Auqaf & Religious Affairs Department and local authorities.

Phase I: Initial registrations and card distribution started January 2026 (CM personally handed cards at launch event).
Phase II: Launched in late January 2026 to include remaining eligible imams and ensure full coverage. This phase focuses on verifying and registering any missed imams.

How to Check/Register (If Not Yet Included):

Contact your local mosque committee, Union Council, or Tehsil/District Auqaf office for verification and inclusion.
Submit basic details: CNIC copy, mosque details (location, registration proof), and service affidavit.
Bank account opening: Government facilitates accounts at Bank of Punjab for seamless payments.
No online portal widely publicized yet — process handled departmentally (check punjab.gov.pk or local offices for updates).

Helpline/Support: Reach out to Punjab Auqaf Department or local Deputy Commissioner offices. Official announcements via dgpr.punjab.gov.pk or CM Punjab channels.

Documents Typically Needed:

Valid CNIC.
Proof of imam service (mosque committee letter or registration).
Bank account details (facilitated by government).

Latest Updates

Card issuance nearly complete; full payments via Bank of Punjab ATMs from late February.
Phase II registration ongoing to cover all eligible imams.
CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized: “Religious scholars must promote unity; government stands with them but will not tolerate misuse.”
High transparency: Digital system prevents delays or corruption.

Scam Alert – Stay Safe!

No fees required for registration, card issuance, or receiving honorarium.
Never share CNIC, OTP, or bank details with unknown callers/WhatsApp agents.
Ignore messages claiming “extra verification fee” or “final activation payment.”
Only trust official government offices, Bank of Punjab, or announcements from punjab.gov.pk / dgpr.punjab.gov.pk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How much monthly amount do imams get?
Rs 25,000 fixed honorarium every month.

Q: When do payments start?
Pay orders in January 2026; regular card-based transfers from late February 2026.

Q: Who can apply if not registered yet?
Contact local Auqaf office or mosque committee for Phase II inclusion.

Q: Will payments stop for any reason?
Yes — if involved in anti-state, unethical, or divisive activities.

Q: Is this for all mosques?
Primarily registered/operational mosques; ~70,000 imams targeted out of ~80,000 mosques.

The CM Punjab Honorarium Card for Imams Scheme is a meaningful step to honor religious leaders and support their families. If you’re an imam or know one, verify status through official channels soon!