LAHORE – The Punjab government has approved the launching of the “Chief Minister Azazia Card” for Imam Masjids (prayer leaders) across the province.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif granted approval for issuances of the cards while chairing a key meeting in Lahore on Wednesday. She has set February 2026 as the deadline for issuing the cards.
The government has decided to pay Rs25,000 in monthly stipend to all registered prayer leaders.
First Stipend Date for Imam Masjids in Punjab
The provincial government will starting disbursing first stipend of Rs25,000 to registered prayer leaders from January 1, 2026. The amount will be given through pay orders for the first time.
In next phase, the Imam Masjids will be able to draw the amount through Azazia cards.
The registration process for imams is ongoing, with 62,994 registration forms already received across Punjab. Verification of these forms is still in progress.
Imams involved in activities against the national or moral interests, or those engaged in financial or ethical misconduct, will have their honorary benefits revoked.
Additionally, mosque management committees and tehsil management committees have been established across the province.
The chief minister has instructed alls assistant commissioners to hold monthly meetings with imams, and also ordered continued combing operations in sensitive areas.
The meeting also decided to introduce legislation for strict action against damage to Safe City cameras and government property.
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