CM Maryam warns against discord under guise of religion

Honorarium card for prayer leaders launched

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has declared that the government will not tolerate any attempts to destabilise national security or sow discord under the guise of religion, emphasising that religious scholars bear the responsibility of preventing sectarian hatred and division in society.

Addressing the launching ceremony of the Chief Minister Honorarium Card for Imams, she paid tribute to religious leaders as the pillars of society and standard-bearers of faith. "I consider it an honour to have the opportunity to serve the imams through this honorarium initiative," she stated, noting that people turn to religious scholars for guidance during moments of both joy and grief.

The chief minister said the decision had initially been made to pay Rs15,000 to the prayer leaders but PML-N leader Mian Nawaz Sharif had directed her to increase the amount to Rs25,000 per month.

"It is regrettable that in 2026, many mosque imams are offered only Rs5,000. Like ordinary citizens, imams also face essential expenses, and meeting daily costs with such meager income is extremely difficult," she observed.

She disclosed that Punjab has approximately 80,000 mosques, with positive response received from 70,000 during registration. She announced that the payments this month would be made through pay orders, while from next month, regular digital payments would commence through the card. "The purpose of digital payments through the card is transparency and convenience," she explained, appealing to mosque management committees to continue their regular support alongside the government stipend.

The chief minister emphasised that the government remains available to assist imams facing difficulties related to illness, children's education fees, or any other challenges. She stressed the need for close coordination between the government and religious scholars, stating that their counsel and support are essential for improving governance.

CM Maryam declared that Pakistan, the only country founded in the name of Islam, must ensure that religious minorities live without fear. "Should people of other faiths live in constant fear that someone might burn their homes at any time?" she asked.

The chief minister warned that certain elements had consistently promoted discord in the name of religion. "Some people continue to foster sectarianism under religious pretexts. Society has been ruthlessly torn apart, with police and Rangers personnel martyred and beaten. Young officers of law enforcement agencies stand ready to protect your life and property, yet they were attacked," she stated.

Referring to recent incidents of violence, she condemned the destruction of public property, including Suthra Punjab vehicles, the closure of businesses, and attacks on homes.