130 Couples Wed Under Punjab’s Dhee Rani Program in Lahore

LAHORE, October 16: The Punjab government on Wednesday marked the launch of the third phase of its flagship welfare initiative, the Dhee Rani Programme, by organizing a mass wedding ceremony for 130 couples, including 18 from minority communities, in Lahore.

The event, held with official protocol and festive arrangements, was part of a broader plan to support families unable to bear the financial burden of marriage expenses. The initiative, launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, aims to restore dignity and ease financial pressures on underprivileged households across the province.

Speaking at the ceremony, Punjab Social Welfare and Baitul Mal Minister Sohail Shaukat Butt said the programme was a reflection of the government’s commitment to social justice and women’s empowerment. “This initiative shares the burden of parents who are unable to afford their daughters’ weddings. It’s not charity — it’s public welfare,” he said.

The minister announced that 5,000 mass weddings would be held under the programme this year, adding that the number of applications had already crossed 15,000. “Whether Muslim or from a minority background, every daughter will be treated with equal honour and respect,” he assured.

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Describing Dhee Rani as a symbol of dignity, hope, and empowerment, Butt claimed that no previous administration had launched a project of this scope with such sincerity.

Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, also present at the event, praised both the Dhee Rani Programme and the Women Protection System, calling them landmark initiatives in public service. “This is the people’s right. It’s their money being spent for their own betterment,” he said.

The mass wedding ceremony marks another step in the government’s broader agenda to promote social welfare and inclusivity across Punjab.

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