Dhee Rani Wedding Ceremonies to Begin in Lahore on November 12

LAHORE (Nazrana Times): Wedding ceremonies under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Dhee Rani Programme will begin in Lahore on November 12. The programme aims to arrange collective marriages for 5,000 deserving couples across Pakistan’s Punjab province during the current financial year.

The announcement was made during the programme’s 10th Provincial Steering Committee meeting, chaired by Punjab Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Sohail Shaukat Butt.

More Than 25,000 Applications Received

The meeting was informed that over 25,000 applications had been submitted through the programme’s online portal and the Maryam Ko Batain mobile application. Tehsil-level verification had been completed for more than 7,500 applications.

The committee reviewed application scrutiny, the selection of eligible couples, ceremony arrangements across Punjab and coordination among the departments concerned. A proposed calendar of events for the financial year 2026–27 was also presented.

Minister Stresses Merit and Transparency

Sohail Shaukat Butt directed officials to complete preparations within the stipulated timelines and follow the prescribed standard operating procedures. He stressed that merit and transparency must be maintained throughout the selection and implementation process.

He described the Dhee Rani Programme as an important part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s welfare agenda, aimed at easing financial pressure on deserving families and helping brides begin married life with dignity.

The minister said the collective marriage initiative offered practical assistance to economically disadvantaged families while promoting social protection, equality and compassion.

Dignified Arrangements for Couples and Families

Butt instructed officials to provide appropriate facilities and ensure that participating couples and their families were treated with dignity and hospitality.

He also appreciated the work of the Social Welfare Department, district administrations and other institutions in verifying applications and organising ceremonies in previous years.

The programme prioritises orphaned, destitute, vulnerable and other deserving brides. Eligible women from minority communities, including Sikh, Hindu and Christian communities, are also among its beneficiaries.

Officials Review Divisional Preparations

Punjab Women Development Secretary Suman Rai, Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Secretary Saira Umar, Director General Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Dr Shehenshah Faisal Azeem and other relevant officials attended the meeting. Divisional commissioners joined through video link.

The commissioners shared progress reports and suggestions regarding preparations in their divisions and pledged coordinated efforts to ensure the successful conduct of the ceremonies.