CM Mariam Nawaz's initiative, Punjab Dhee Rani Program
Our social tragedy is that due to customs and traditions, most people take loans or pay interest to meet the expenses of their daughters' marriages. Often, the entire life is spent paying off the loan. In such circumstances, the Punjab Dhee Rani (Collective Marriages Program), launched by CM Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is the best way to provide financial assistance to poor and deserving families. A newly married couple will receive 2 Lac Pakistani rupees under this program. Moreover, free transportation and food will also be provided for 20 members of the bride and groom's family to participate in the festivities of the mass wedding program.
The purpose of the visit to different churches was to spread awareness among Christian communities about the Punjab Dhee Rani Program (Collective Marriages Program), a visionary initiative of Chief Minister Punjab, Mrs. Mariam Nawaz Sharif, designed for the welfare of deserving families.
The delegation was led by Mr. Irshad Waheed, Divisional Director, along with Mrs. Samara Iqbal, Deputy Director, Mr. Muhammad Alam, Assistant Director, and Mrs. Zilay Huma, Assistant Director of the Welfare Department visited several churches in Gujranwala today (Sunday), 17 th August 2025. It is a remarkable step to ensure the inclusion of marginalized communities in the government’s welfare initiatives (Collective Marriages Program), Punjab Dhee Rani.
These visits to various churches were facilitated by Mr. Shahzad Lawrence, a peacemaker/member of the District/Divisional Peace Committee, Gujranwala, who played an instrumental role in ensuring smooth coordination between the Social Welfare Department and the local Christian leadership. His tireless efforts reflect his commitment to promoting harmony, inclusivity, and the active involvement of minorities in developmental programs initiated by the Punjab government.
The first stop of the delegation was at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Francisabad, where the team was warmly welcomed by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Shakeel Annayat. Deputy Director Samira Iqbal and Assistant Director Mrs. Zilay Huma were welcomed by the women of the Catholic Church with garlands of flowers.
Rev. Fr. Shakeel Inayat and Mr. Shahzad Lawrence at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
A large gathering of parishioners was present to listen to the important message. The session began with introductory remarks by Mr. Shahzad Lawrence, who briefed the audience about the purpose of the visit and emphasized the importance of minority participation in welfare schemes. He encouraged the community to remain proactive and avail the opportunities being provided by the government under the Dhee Rani Program.
Shahzad Lawrence appealed to educated students to play their full role in the online registration of people around them who meet the required qualifications. He urged the participants to spread this awareness message to the people around them so that as many deserving Christian families as possible can benefit from this offer.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Sumara Iqbal highlighted that the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mrs. Mariam Nawaz Sharif, had shown deep concern for the underprivileged families in the province, including Christian communities. She informed the audience that the Salami amount under the program had been increased to Rs. 2 lakh, which would greatly benefit
deserving Christian brides and their families. She stressed that these measures are aimed at ensuring social justice, equality, and the uplift of neglected segments of society. Mrs. Sumara Iqbal further explained that the application process for the program has been made accessible through an online portal, ensuring transparency and ease for all applicants.
After a fruitful interaction at Francisabad, the delegation proceeded to Saint Paul’s Church on Church Road, where Rev. Sabir Gul, the Session Incharge, welcomed them.
Rev. Sabir Gull expressed heartfelt gratitude to Shahzad Lawrence for bringing the officials of the Social Welfare Department to share the important message with the deserving Christian community. He acknowledged this initiative as a remarkable effort to connect government programs with marginalized families. Rev. Gull emphasized the significance of spreading awareness about the registration of deserving Christian couples for the collective marriages program. He appealed to the parishioners to actively share this message within their families, friends, and community circles so that as many couples could apply and benefit from this golden opportunity provided by the Punjab Government under CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif,
The Christian community members gathered in large numbers. The message of inclusivity and support from the Punjab Government was reiterated by Mr. Irshad Waheed, Divisional Director of the Social Welfare Department, and parishioners were reassured that the government is keenly observing and addressing the needs of minority groups. The officials encouraged the participants to spread this message further so that all deserving families may benefit from the initiative.
The third stop was at the Swift Memorial First Presbyterian Church, a historical church with a vibrant congregation. Here, the delegation was welcomed by Rev. Arif Siraj, Moderator Presbyterian Church of Pakistan, and other church leaders.
The interaction revolved around building trust between the government and Christian communities. Mr. Waheed and his team highlighted the importance of confidence in applying for government schemes, assuring the participants that the application process is safe, reliable, and inclusive.
Finally, the delegation visited Saint Mark’s Parish in Mariam Saddiqa Town. When the team arrived, worship was underway in the church. During this time, Shahzad Lawrence and officers from the Social Welfare Department made a quick visit to the community hall, the adjacent school, and had coffee in the waiting room. Later on, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ahmed and the congregation extended their hospitality and welcomed them in the Church. The hall was full of the community, including males, females, and youth.
Once again, the officials briefed the attendees about the Punjab Dhai Rani Program, its benefits, and the government’s vision for the welfare of minorities. The emphasis was placed on spreading awareness to those who may not be well-informed about the online application process, ensuring no deserving family is left behind.
Mr. Shahzad and Mrs. Sumara addressing at Saint Mark’s Parish, Gujranwala
During the series of visits, church leaders such as Rev. Fr. Shakeel Innayat, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ahmed, Pastor Sabir Gull, and Pastor Arif Masih Siraj expressed their deep appreciation for the efforts of Mr. Shahzad Lawrence in facilitating the outreach program. They acknowledged his role as a bridge-builder between the government and Christian communities, ensuring that important welfare initiatives are communicated effectively and reach the grassroots level.
The visits created an atmosphere of trust, inclusivity, and collaboration between the Social Welfare Department and the Christian leadership of Gujranwala. It reflected the Punjab government’s serious commitment under the leadership of CM Mrs. Mariam Nawaz Sharif to support deserving families, uplift minority communities, and strengthen social harmony across the province.
Divisional Director Irshad Waheed thanked the fathers and priests of the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches for the warm welcome in the churches and said that this is a unique example of interfaith dialogue, religious harmony, and respect for religions in Gujranwala. For which the officers of the Social Welfare Department sincerely thank the Christian community.
The initiative was not just about financial assistance; it symbolized respect, recognition, and equal citizenship for Christians in Punjab. The delegation’s visits sent out a strong message that the government acknowledges the role of minorities and stands alongside them in their socio-economic journey. The Punjab Dhai Rani Program, with its enhanced financial assistance, represents a new ray of hope for deserving Christian families preparing for marriages and managing related expenses.
This collaborative engagement between government officials, peace committee members, and church leaders is an inspiring model of how state institutions and religious communities can work hand in hand for the common good. The visit concluded with prayers for harmony, prosperity, and a stronger Pakistan, where every community, regardless of religion, has equal opportunities to grow and prosper.
The Christian community warmly welcomed the fruitful campaign launched by CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the registration of deserving Christian couples in the collective marriages program. This initiative has been appreciated as a great step toward social inclusion, equality, and empowerment of marginalized families. Community leaders expressed gratitude to the Punjab government for recognizing the needs of poor Christian couples and providing them with dignity and support. They highlighted that such initiatives not only reduce financial burdens but also promote interfaith harmony and trust. The campaign has brought a sense of hope, relief, and joy among deserving Christian families.
