Punjab Imam Masjid Honorarium Card 2025-2026: Online Apply & Rs. 25,000 Salary Guide

By: Techinfo.pk Policy Team | Updated: January 2026 | Category: Government Schemes

Are you an Imam or Khateeb serving in a mosque in Punjab? Rising inflation has made it difficult for religious leaders to manage their household expenses relying solely on donations. To solve this problem and restore the dignity of our religious scholars, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a historic initiative: the Imam Masjid Honorarium Card.

This “One-Stop Guide” explains exactly how this scheme works, the confirmed monthly salary amount, and how you can register for the card in 2025/2026.

Section 1: What is the Imam Masjid Honorarium Card?

The Imam Masjid Honorarium Card (sometimes referred to as the Azazia Card) is a dedicated ATM/Debit card issued by the Bank of Punjab (BOP). The Punjab Government has moved away from the old system of checks and cash handouts. Instead, verified Imams will now receive their monthly honorarium (salary) directly into their bank accounts, accessible via this special card.

This initiative falls under the Auqaf & Religious Affairs Department but is now expanded to include registered mosques across the province, ensuring that Imams do not have to depend on the uncertainty of local donations.

Key Features of the Scheme

Section 2: Detailed Benefits (Why Apply?)

This scheme is not just about money; it is about giving “Izzat” (Respect) to the guardians of our mosques. Here is what eligible applicants will receive:

• Fixed Monthly Income: A guaranteed monthly transfer of Rs. 25,000 to support your family.
• Digital Transparency: No middleman or clerk can stop your money. It goes straight to your card.
• ATM Access: Withdraw cash anytime from any Bank of Punjab (BOP) or 1-Link ATM across Pakistan.
• Social Status: Being a government-verified Imam adds official recognition to your service.
• Future Perks: The card may be linked to other social welfare benefits (like the Himmat Card or healthcare) in the future.

Section 3: Eligibility Criteria (Who Qualifies?)

Not every individual leading a prayer is automatically eligible. The Punjab Government has set strict criteria to ensure the funds reach genuine Imams.

You are eligible if:

1. Residency: You hold a valid CNIC with a permanent or temporary address in Punjab.
2. Service: You are the currently serving Imam/Khateeb of a mosque.
3. Mosque Registration: Your mosque is registered with the Auqaf Department or you have applied for registration/verification in Phase 2.
4. One Imam Per Mosque: Only one Imam is paid per registered mosque.
5. Clean Record: You must not be involved in any anti-state activities, hate speech, or Fourth Schedule lists.
6. Bank Account: You must be cleared to open a functional account with the Bank of Punjab.

Note: This scheme applies to mosques of all sects (Barelvi, Deobandi, Shia, Ahle Hadith) provided they are verified by the District Peace/Mosque Committee.

Section 4: Step-by-Step Registration Process

The government has launched Phase 2 of the registration to include Imams who were missed earlier. Here is how to apply:

Method 1: Verification via District Administration (Offline)

Since this involves public funds, physical verification is mandatory.

1. Visit Your DC/AC Office: Go to the office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) or Assistant Commissioner (AC) in your Tehsil.
2. Locate the Auqaf Desk: Look for the specific desk assigned for “Masajid Data Collection” or “Imam Honorarium.”
3. Submit the Form: Fill out the registration form with your details and your mosque’s details.
4. Committee Verification: The District Mosque Management Committee will visit or contact your mosque to confirm you are the serving Imam.

Method 2: Online Status Check (Web Portal)

If you have already submitted your data, you can check if you are selected for the card.

1. Visit the official Punjab Government web portals (often hosted on ebiz.punjab.gov.pk or the Auqaf website).
2. Look for the “Imam Masjid Wazifa Program” section.
3. Enter your CNIC number (without dashes) to check your status.
4. If your name appears, proceed to the nearest Bank of Punjab branch for biometric verification.

Important: Opening Your Bank Account

Once your name is in the final list:

• Visit the designated Bank of Punjab (BOP) branch.
• Perform Biometric Verification.
• Your Honorarium Card will be issued to you (activation usually takes 24-48 hours).

Section 5: Required Documents

Before visiting the government office or bank, ensure you have a file with these documents to avoid rejection:

• Original CNIC: Plus 2 attested photocopies.
• Passport Size Photos: Blue background (fresh).
• Mosque Proof: Registration certificate of the mosque or an affidavit (Stamp Paper) from the local Mosque Committee confirming your service.
• Educational Certificates: Sanad from your Wafaq/Board (Madrasa certificate) is preferred but sometimes optional depending on the district.
• Electricity Bill: Latest bill of the mosque (to verify location).

Affidavit of Service (Halfiya Bayan) format.

FAQ Section (SEO Goldmine)

Q1: Is there a fee to apply for the Imam Honorarium Card?

Ans: No. The registration process is completely free. Do not pay any agent or “middleman” promising to get your card made. If someone asks for money, report them to the DC office immediately.

Q2: I am an Imam of a private mosque (not Auqaf). Can I apply?

Ans: Yes, under Phase 2, private mosques are being included. However, your mosque must be verified by the Tehsil administration, and you must prove you are the regular Imam there.

Q3: When will the Rs. 25,000 payments start?

Ans: For registered and verified Imams, payments via the Card are scheduled to begin effectively from February 2026. Some initial payments were made via Pay Orders in January.

Conclusion

The Punjab Imam Masjid Honorarium Card is a welcome step toward financial stability for our religious leaders. By digitizing the process, CM Maryam Nawaz has ensured that the Rs. 25,000 stipend reaches the deserving Imams without corruption or delay.

If you are an eligible Imam, do not wait. Gather your documents and visit your local Assistant Commissioner’s office today to ensure your name is on the Phase 2 list.

Disclaimer: This article is an informational guide for the general public. Techinfo.pk is not an official government entity. For official lists and complaints, please visit the Auqaf Department Punjab or your local DC Office.

Summary

Article Name

Punjab Imam Masjid Honorarium Card 2025-2026

Description

Are you an Imam or Khateeb serving in a mosque in Punjab? Rising inflation has made it difficult for religious leaders to manage their household expenses relying solely on donations.

Author

Sadar Hussain

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Techinfo.pk

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