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LAHORE, Oct 15 (APP):Under the flagship welfare initiative of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the ‘Dhee Rani Program’, a grand and vibrant ceremony marking the formal launch of Phase III of mass weddings was held in Lahore.
As many as 103 daughters were sent off to their new homes with dignity and honour, including 18 belonging to minority communities and one special daughter.
The ceremony was attended by Provincial Minister for Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Mal Sohail Shaukat Butt and Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar, who graced the occasion as chief guests.
Addressing the gathering, Provincial Minister Sohail Shaukat Butt congratulated the brides and their families, describing the event as a historic manifestation of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s compassion and commitment to public welfare. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all my sisters and daughters participating in the Dhee Rani Program,” he said. “This is a visionary initiative by Chief Minister Punjab, who has become the voice of countless daughters who long dreamt of this day with hope in their hearts.”
He added that through this program, the Chief Minister had shared the burden of those parents who worried about fulfilling their sacred responsibility. “In the past, many chief ministers came and went, but none ever launched a welfare project of this sincerity and scale. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision is that real work speaks louder than words. The Dhee Rani Program has become a symbol of dignity, hope, and empowerment for daughters across Punjab.”
The Minister announced that 5,000 mass weddings will be organized this year under the program, adding that even if 10,000 or 15,000 applications are received, no deserving daughter will be left behind. “Whether Muslim or from a minority community — every daughter will receive equal respect and protocol. The Dhee Rani Program stands as a model of simplicity, transparency, and honour,” he affirmed.
On the occasion, Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar said the people of Punjab were witnessing the realization of a dream long cherished by mothers and daughters across villages, the dream of dignity and a respectful beginning to married life.
“This is not merely about resources; it reflects compassion, empathy, and love,” he said. “A daughter has become the Chief Minister — and she is thinking like a daughter for all daughters. This is not charity but the people’s right, for it is their own money being spent for their welfare.”
He said that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, hundreds of welfare projects were underway, but two initiatives stand out as truly divine, the Dhee Rani Program and the Women Protection System. “Now, no one dares to look at women with disrespect in Punjab. For the first time, the province has leadership that truly safeguards women’s dignity,” he added.
Faisal Ayub Khokhar concluded by praying for the lifelong happiness and prosperity of all newly-wed couples, saying, “Today, I proudly stand here as part of the groom’s side and share in the joy of these blessed unions.”