Butt praised the initiative as a reflection of a welfare state.
Punjab witnessed its largest mass wedding ceremony, where 104 couples tied the knot under the “Dhee Rani Programme.”
The programme is an initiative launched under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision.
The event, aimed at supporting underprivileged families, was held in Dera Ghazi Khan with dignitaries and government officials in attendance.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Quran, followed by a series of speeches highlighting the significance of supporting less privileged families.
Speaking at the occasion, Ajmal Khan Chandia reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to public welfare.
He described the programme as a step towards strengthening social responsibility.
Following the Nikah proceedings, each couple was gifted an ATM card loaded with financial aid to help them start their married life.
Traditional festivities, including a Jhumar dance performance, added a cultural touch to the grand event.
The celebration concluded with a feast arranged for the guests.
Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal, Sohail Shaukat Butt, served as the chief guest.
He emphasised that the government is fulfilling its role as a guardian for daughters in need.
Butt praised the initiative as a reflection of a welfare state.
He said it ensures that financial constraints do not hinder families from arranging their daughters’ weddings.
Prominent figures at the event included Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education Muhammad Ajmal Khan Chandia.
It also saw members of the Punjab Assembly Rana Abdul Manan and Aun Hameed Dogar in attendance.
Deputy commissioners Qurat-ul-Ain Memon and Munawar Abbas Bukhari were also present.
It was attended by District Police Officer Muhammad Rizwan and Social Welfare Department DG Tariq Qureshi as well.
Other attendees included National Assembly member Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmad, and Dera Ghazi Khan Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmad Chaudhry.
Earlier, a similar mass wedding ceremony was conducted in Sheikhupura under the same programme, benefiting couples from Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib.
Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain attended as the chief guest.
The Dhee Rani Programme is one of the key social welfare initiatives launched under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s administration.
The initiative continues to expand, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social justice and public service.
Despite its charitable intentions, the Dhee Rani Programme has faced backlash from various quarters.
Many critics argue that providing financial aid for marriages promotes unemployment, instead of empowering individuals with job opportunities.
Some expressed concerns that in a country where men can marry up to four times, the programme could be misused.
Others claimed that Rs 100,000 per couple was an excessive amount to be distributed in such a manner.
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