Imam Masjid Honorary Card 2025: Application, Eligibility and Payment Details

The Punjab government has introduced the Imam Masjid Honorary Card program, marking one of the most significant welfare-focused policy reforms aimed at strengthening financial support for mosque Imams across the province. Designed as a digital, transparent, and state-backed system, the initiative replaces long-standing, unstable community-based payment structures with a formal monthly honorarium of approximately Rs. 25,000 for registered Imams.

Officials describe the program as a major step toward ensuring economic dignity, professional recognition, and institutional stability for religious leaders who serve as central figures in community guidance. The Honorary Card is the mandatory requirement for accessing these funds, and the application process involves extensive documentation, multi-tier verification and compliance with ethical, legal and administrative standards. Payments officially begin on January 1, 2026, with a full shift to the digital card system from February 1, 2026.

A Transformative Shift in Imam Welfare

For decades, most Imams relied on inconsistent donations from mosque committees and congregations. The new system aims to eliminate that financial vulnerability, allowing Imams to perform religious, educational and community duties without economic pressure. According to the provincial administration, the initiative also enhances governance by creating a secure, auditable digital registry of all serving Imams, ensuring accountability and preventing fraudulent claims.

The policy additionally supports broader social objectives, including promoting inter-faith harmony, discouraging extremism, and strengthening trust through strict moral, ethical and legal vetting. Security agencies will screen each applicant to ensure eligibility aligns with national laws and the Code of Conduct for religious leadership.

Eligibility Requirements and Mandatory Criteria

Applicants must meet strict criteria before their submissions can be accepted. Only the officially appointed primary Imam of a mosque can apply, under the “one Imam per mosque” rule. The mosque must be located within Punjab, and the Imam must hold a Punjab domicile. Applicants are expected to fall within the general service age bracket of 18 to 60 and must maintain a clean criminal and moral record.

Every Imam must also possess a personal, sole-owner bank account. Joint accounts or accounts in family members’ names are automatically rejected due to financial security protocols.

A key prerequisite is the digital registration of the mosque itself. The government, in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), is mapping all mosques to validate their physical existence and administrative details. An Imam’s application cannot proceed until the mosque is recorded in the official digital system.

Detailed Registration Form and Required Documentation

The official Imam Masjid Registration Form serves as a legally binding document connecting the Imam’s personal, professional and financial details to national verification databases. It is available both at Auqaf offices and through the government’s online portals.

Applicants must attach a complete set of attested documents, including CNIC copies, domicile certificate, photographs, proof of religious education, police verification certificate, appointment letter, bank account proof and mosque registration verification. All documents must be attested by an authorized Grade-17 or higher government officer.

Multi-Agency Verification and Approval Process

Once submitted, applications undergo multi-stage scrutiny:

• Administrative review by the Auqaf Department
• Security clearance from law enforcement agencies
• Bank verification through commercial banks and the State Bank of Pakistan
• Physical inspection of the mosque by field officials
• Final approval by the central Auqaf administration

Each stage must be cleared for the status to move to “Approved.” Issues such as unmatched CNIC records, dual registration from the same mosque, inactive bank accounts, or security concerns may result in rejection.

Upcoming Payment Timeline

The government has announced a two-phase rollout:

• January 1, 2026: First monthly stipends issued via pay orders or bank transfers.
• February 1, 2026: Mandatory transition to the Imam Masjid Honorary Card, functioning as a digital debit card for monthly fund disbursement.

Key FAQs for Applicants

Authorities have highlighted important clarifications, including the approximately Rs. 25,000 monthly stipend, the strict one-Imam-per-mosque rule, the requirement for a personal bank account, common causes of application rejection, submission channels, and a verification timeline of 3 to 6 weeks.