The Punjab government has launched a province-wide initiative to revive and strengthen mosques by forming effective mosque management committees made up of respected local citizens.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered immediate payment of stipends to imams. she has instructed for speedy completion of the registration process for mosque leaders across Punjab.
Following her directions, the government has set up special counters in every tehsil office to process stipend forms. These counters, located in the Tehseel offices, allow imams to submit applications both manually and online. Officials said that stipend payments will start within a few weeks.
For the first time in Punjab’s history, the government has digitally mapped all religious institutions. Authorities have compiled data on 20,863 religious seminaries and geo-tagged 56,000 mosques. This digital record will help ensure transparency and effective monitoring of religious sites throughout the province.
In Lahore, the Auqaf Department has started a new phase to promote unity, peace, and interfaith harmony through mosques under its supervision. According to an official briefing, the department currently manages 284 mosques, while 47 others have independent imams.
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Officials also shared that the government plans to increase stipends for imams in recognition of their religious and social services.
During the same briefing, authorities confirmed that police arrested 64 people across Punjab for providing rental housing to undocumented Afghan citizens. Several criminal cases have been registered in this regard.
Officials said these actions show the government’s commitment to transparency, social harmony, and strong management of religious institutions across Punjab.
