Punjab Mosque Management Committees Formed to Oversee Imam Registration and Stipend Distribution
Imam Registration and Stipend Distribution
Imam Registration and Stipend Distribution: The Punjab government has launched a far-reaching mosque reform program aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the administration of mosques across the province. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the initiative focuses on establishing Mosque Management Committees Punjab to streamline imam registration and ensure timely stipend payments.
The program marks a significant step in the province’s efforts to revive and modernize religious institutions while promoting unity and harmony among communities.
Formation of Mosque Management Committees Punjab
As part of the new system, Mosque Management Committees Punjab are being formed in every district and tehsil. These committees include local respected notables and community representatives, ensuring that mosque affairs are handled transparently and efficiently.
Their key responsibilities include supervising the registration process of imams, verifying documents, monitoring stipend distribution, and coordinating directly with local administration offices. This participatory model aims to strengthen mosque governance and promote community involvement in religious management.
Special Counters Established for Imam Registration
Following the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, each tehsil office now hosts a special counter dedicated to imam registration. Managed under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner, these counters will process registration forms both manually and digitally.
Imams are given the flexibility to submit their applications through either method, depending on accessibility. The Mosque Management Committees Punjab will assist in ensuring that all documentation is properly completed and processed without delays.
Officials have confirmed that the distribution of stipends will begin within the coming weeks once registration verifications are finalized.
Digital Transformation and Database Development
For the first time in Punjab’s history, a comprehensive digital mapping of religious institutions has been completed. The provincial government has geo-tagged over 56,000 mosques and collected detailed data from 20,863 madaris, creating a transparent and centralized digital database.
This database not only ensures accuracy in imam records but also allows authorities to monitor stipend distribution and mosque management processes in real time. The digitization drive is expected to bring long-term transparency and better coordination between the government, committees, and imams.
Immediate Release of Imam Stipends Ordered
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed all concerned departments to ensure the immediate payment of imam stipends. The move aims to provide financial relief to imams and recognize their religious and social contributions.
The Mosque Management Committees Punjab will oversee the fair disbursement of stipends, maintain local records, and report any delays or discrepancies to higher authorities. Officials also confirmed that stipend amounts are being reviewed for a possible increase in recognition of the imams’ national and community services.
Lahore Sets Example Under Auqaf Department
In Lahore, the Department of Auqaf has already begun implementing this model. Currently, 284 mosques under Auqaf management and 47 mosques led by independent imams have adopted the system.
This pilot initiative focuses on promoting religious harmony, interfaith brotherhood, and social cohesion among communities. The success of this approach in Lahore is expected to serve as a blueprint for other districts across Punjab.
Next Steps: Enhancing Transparency and Imam Welfare
The Punjab government plans to further expand the digital system to improve oversight and accountability. Future steps include continuous updates to the database, periodic audits of mosque committees, and regular training sessions for committee members and imams.
Authorities have also indicated that an increase in imam stipends is under active consideration. The overall goal is to build a transparent, data-driven, and community-centered structure for mosque administration.
Key Highlights of Mosque Management Committees Punjab
- ✅ Committees formed across Punjab with local community members
- ✅ Special registration counters set up in every tehsil office
- ✅ Manual and digital application options for imams
- ✅ 56,000 mosques geo-tagged and 20,863 madaris recorded
- ✅ Transparent database for stipend monitoring
- ✅ Stipend process to begin within weeks
- ✅ Future plan to enhance imam welfare and unity initiatives
Conclusion
The formation of Mosque Management Committees Punjab represents a historic milestone in the province’s approach to mosque administration. With digital mapping, transparent stipend processes, and community-based oversight, Punjab is taking concrete steps toward modernizing its religious institutions.
The initiative not only empowers imams through structured financial support but also strengthens the connection between mosques, local communities, and the provincial government ushering in a new era of accountability, unity, and progress.
