Punjab Approves Imam Masjid Cards: First Stipend to Be Released from January 1, 2026

The Punjab government has officially approved the launch of the “Chief Minister Azazia Card” for Imam Masjids (prayer leaders) across the province.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif granted approval during a key meeting in Lahore on Wednesday, setting February 2026 as the deadline for issuing the cards. Registered prayer leaders will receive a monthly stipend of Rs25,000.

First Stipend Date

The provincial government will begin disbursing the first stipend of Rs25,000 to registered imams from January 1, 2026 through pay orders. In the next phase, the amount will be accessible via Azazia cards.

The registration process for imams is ongoing, with 62,994 registration forms received so far. Verification of these forms is currently underway. Imams involved in activities against national or moral interests, or engaged in financial or ethical misconduct, will have their honorary benefits revoked.

To streamline oversight, mosque management committees and tehsil management committees have been established across Punjab. The Chief Minister has also instructed all assistant commissioners to hold monthly meetings with imams and continue monitoring sensitive areas.

Additionally, legislation will be introduced to enforce strict action against damage to Safe City cameras and government property, as decided in the same meeting.

The launch of the Azazia Card and the stipend program marks a significant step toward supporting religious leaders while ensuring transparency and accountability in the system.