Maryam unveils Rs1bn Dhi Rani Programme

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has inaugurated the groundbreaking Dhi Rani Programme at a ceremony featuring 50 mass weddings.

She said, “A record 1,500 couples are getting married in a single day across the province. A budget of Rs1 billion has been allocated for this programme.”

She highlighted the initiative and said, “In the first phase, 3,000 weddings will be held. Each couple will receive gifts, including furniture, essential household items, and Rs1 lakh as wedding money.”

The chief minister also launched the Dhi Rani Card, through which the newlyweds will be able to access their Rs1 lakh wedding money.

Maulana Dr. Mufti Muhammad Ramzan Sialvi and Lahore Bishop Nadeem Kamran prayed at the ceremony. The Social Welfare Department organised a lavish lunch for the attendees.

The chief minister also posed for a group photo with the newlyweds and inspected the gifts distributed at the event. Addressing the gathering, she said, “From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate all daughters, sons, their parents, and family members on their marriages under the Dhi Rani Programme. May Allah Almighty always keep you happy.”

Separately, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the loss of six precious lives in an explosion at a fireworks factory on the outskirts of Phalia. She extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathised with them in their time of grief.

The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to provide the best medical treatment to the injured and ensure a complete ban on illegal fireworks businesses.