State Will Hold Accountable Those Behind Violence, Says Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that incidents of violence, destruction of property, and the martyrdom of police and Rangers personnel in recent years in the name of religion are deeply regrettable, adding that the state will hold accountable those responsible for the blood of its martyrs and will not allow any form of extremism to take root.

Addressing the launching ceremony of the Honorarium Card for Imams Project, the chief minister said that religious leaders are the pillars of society and standard-bearers of faith, to whom people turn in times of joy and sorrow. Ensuring their dignity, status, and financial well-being, she said, is the responsibility of the state.

Maryam Nawaz congratulated Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Home Secretary Ahmad Javed Qazi, and their team on the launch of the project. She remarked that it is unfortunate that many religious scholars still survive on meager donations despite their vital role in society.

She expressed concern that some mosque imams receive as little as PKR 5,000 to 10,000 per month, despite having household expenses, children’s education costs, and other necessities. She revealed that while an initial honorarium of PKR 15,000 was proposed, it was increased to a minimum of PKR 25,000 on the instructions of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The chief minister noted that although negative propaganda was spread at the start of the program, the response from imams has been positive. She said Punjab has around 80,000 mosques, with registration completed for nearly 70,000 so far. Payments will be made through pay orders this month, while digital disbursements via the Honorarium Card will begin next month to ensure transparency and convenience.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized that imams play a key role in guiding both the public and rulers, and the government needs their counsel for better governance. She assured that the government would stand by imams facing health issues, educational expenses, or other difficulties.

She also stressed the importance of peace, religious harmony, and the protection of minorities, stating that Pakistan was founded in the name of Islam, which guarantees minorities the right to live without fear. Any attempt to spread hatred or unrest in the name of religion, she said, is unacceptable.

Highlighting law and order measures, the chief minister said strict action has been taken in Punjab against gun culture, violence against women and children, and daylight killings. She urged imams to raise their voices against drugs, crime, illegal encroachments, and lawlessness, noting that while the government cannot reach everywhere, the voice of an imam is heard in every community.

She concluded by saying that the Honorarium Card initiative is the beginning of a journey toward building a society everyone can be proud of.