LAHORE: Up to 57 couples tied the knot at a mass wedding ceremony under the Dhi Rani Program in district Khanewal on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the Punjab Dhi Rani Programme. Under the programme, Rs100,000 were given as wedding money to each newly-married couple through an ATM. Food was served to 20 guests of each couple and necessary furniture, household utensils, clothes and other daily necessities were also donated.

Punjab Minister for Social Welfare and Baitul Mal Sohail Shaukat Butt was the chief guest at the event, while other attendees included local parliamentarians -- MNA Muhammad Khan Daha, MPAs Rana Muhammad Saleem Hanif, Barrister Usama Fazal, Chaudhry Ziaur Rehman, Aamir Hayat Hiraj, Rana Babar Hussain, Asghar Hayat Hiraj, former MNA Pir Aslam Bodla and government officials.

The minister congratulated the newlywed couples and distributed Dhi Rani Salami Cards among the newlyweds. Each couple received salami of Rs 100,000 and they were also given gifts of a double bed, mattress, mirror, dinner set, cooking utensils, a fan, and other essential household items.

The minister highlighted that initiatives such as the Himmat Card and Dhi Rani program are the foundation of a welfare society.

The event featured a traditional Jhoomar dance performance. A lunch was arranged for the newlyweds and all attendees, and the ceremony concluded with prayers.

The event was attended by district administration officials and civil society activists.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2025