Punjab’s ‘Dhee Rani Program’ Brings Joy to Poor Families — 975 Couples Married So Far

By Ali Imran Chattha
LAHORE, October 24 (Nazrana Times):
 

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s landmark Dhee Rani Program continues to uplift underprivileged families by supporting the marriages of daughters from low-income households across the province.
The initiative, managed by the Social Welfare Department, provides financial assistance and wedding essentials to deserving couples, easing the economic pressure on struggling parents.

A grand ceremony was held in Rawalpindi to mark the third phase of the program, where 84 couples — including a Christian couple and a special-needs couple — tied the knot. With this phase, the total number of marriages solemnized under the Dhee Rani Program has reached 975.
Under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s direction, each couple received Rs. 200,000, wedding dresses, and gift packages. To ensure transparency and accountability, all financial aid was distributed through ATM cards.
Speaking at the event, Provincial Minister for Bait-ul-Mal and Social Welfare Sohail Shaukat Butt hailed the program as a “historic welfare initiative” aimed at promoting social equality, dignity, and empowerment.
“This program reflects the Chief Minister’s vision of serving humanity and restoring respect for poor families. Over 5,000 marriages will be conducted under Dhee Rani this year,” he announced.
Provincial Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan appreciated the Chief Minister’s compassion, stating that she had made “the sacred duty of marriage easy” for struggling families. He noted that 3,000 marriages were conducted under similar welfare schemes last year.
MNA Tahira Aurangzeb lauded Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, saying,
“Allah Almighty has chosen the Chief Minister for a noble purpose — serving humanity. Today, countless daughters’ prayers are with her.”
The event was attended by MNA Daniyal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Secretary Shazia Rizwan, MPAs Asma Naz Abbasi, Malik Iftikhar Ahmed, Tahira Mushtaq, Zebun-Nisa, and Tahseen Fawad, along with senior officials from the Social Welfare Department and district administration.
The ceremony concluded with a meal hosted on behalf of the Chief Minister, as parents and newlyweds expressed heartfelt gratitude for the government’s compassion and support.