Taking a strict stance against anti-state narratives, the Punjab government has approved a new policy on the suggestions of the Home Department, under which the honorariums of people involved in activities contrary to public order or national unity will be closed immediately.
According to the Punjab Home Department, the main objective of the honorarium scheme is to promote peace, tolerance and religious harmony in the society. Officials say that if hate speeches, provocative content or anti-state narratives are proven against an individual, he will be removed from the list without any concessions.
According to official sources, a preliminary investigation has been completed in the light of reports from security and intelligence agencies, after which 66,000 imams of mosques across the province have been declared cleared for fulfilling all legal requirements. Officials clarified that no anti-state activity could be proven against any imam during the investigation.
The Home Department further said that continuous screening and monitoring of the honorary list will continue, while strict scrutiny will be ensured before giving any honor to any individual in future. The government says that elements that harm public order will not be given official patronage in any case.
Punjab government’s strict policy: Decision to close the honorarium of those who adopt anti-state narratives
