LAHORE: The 3rd phase of the Dhee Rani Programme was launched on Wednesday, where 130 daughters were sent off to their new homes with dignity and respect. Among them were 18 daughters from minority communities and one specially-abled daughter.
The launch ceremony of the Punjab Chief Minister’s flagship welfare initiative was attended by Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal Sohail Shaukat Butt and Provincial Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sohail Shaukat Butt congratulated the brides and their families. He said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all daughters taking part in the Dhee Rani Programme. This is a historic initiative by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who has become the voice of daughters who have long waited for this day.”
He added that the programme helps parents who worry about fulfilling their responsibilities and said, “The Dhee Rani Programme is building the foundation for countless blessings and prayers.”
The minister highlighted that previous chief ministers did not launch welfare projects of this scale. He said, “CM Maryam’s vision is that actions speak louder than words. This programme has become a symbol of dignity, hope, and empowerment for daughters across Punjab.”
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He announced that 5,000 mass weddings will be held this year. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed that no deserving daughter will be left behind. “Every daughter, whether Muslim or from a minority community, will receive equal respect and protocol,” he said.
Minister Faisal Khokhar said the programme fulfils a long-cherished dream of mothers and daughters in villages – giving them dignity and a respectful start to married life. He added that the initiative reflects compassion, empathy, and love, not just resources.
He further praised CM Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, saying two programmes – the Dhee Rani Programme and the Women Protection System – are truly transformative. “Now, no one dares to disrespect women in Punjab. For the first time, the province has leadership that protects women’s dignity.”
Criticising previous governments, he said, “Earlier, wedding programmes were often misused for corruption. Today’s Dhee Rani Programme is a transparent and sincere example of public service.”
