30 couples tie the knot at mass wedding

PESHAWAR: About 30 couples tied the knot as the government-initiated mass wedding ceremonies to support underprivileged and orphan couples.

The first official ceremony was held in Peshawar, where 30 couples tied the knot. An official communique said the provincial government not only covered the expenses of the event but also provided each bride with financial assistance of Rs 200,000. The mass wedding ceremony was organized by the Department of Zakat and Ushr in collaboration with the district administration. The event was attended by provincial ministers, special assistants, members of the provincial assembly, the Director of Social Welfare, the chairman of the Provincial Zakat Council, the deputy commissioner of Peshawar, the chairman of Peshawar Zakat Committee, and the families of the newlywed couples.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister for Social Welfare and Zakat & Ushr Syed Qasim Ali Shah said that this was just the beginning of such initiatives, and similar ceremonies would be held at the divisional level across the province. He congratulated the newlyweds, extended his best wishes for their prosperous future, and assured them of continued government support. The minister also distributed checks and gifts among the couples.

Syed Qasim Ali Shah stated that under the welfare vision of Imran Khan, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has officially launched the “Marriage Programme.” As per the directives of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, more than 4,000 mass weddings will be conducted across the province under the Zakat & Ushr Department, with the first phase inaugurated in Peshawar today.

A special message from Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur was also played for the newlywed couples. The event included transport arrangements for the couples to and from the wedding hall, along with a grand feast in their honor. The traditional Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cultural dance, Attan was also performed during the ceremony. Additionally, the Zakat Department and local administration distributed gifts among all the couples.