Officials say more than 4,000 mass weddings will be conducted across the province.
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
In a historic move, the provincial government has launched state-sponsored mass weddings to support underprivileged and orphan couples. The first official ceremony took place in Peshawar, where 30 couples were united in marriage.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government not only covered all event expenses but also provided each bride with Rs 200,000 in financial assistance to help them start their new lives.
Officials stated that the initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families struggling with wedding expenses, ensuring that deserving couples can begin their married life with dignity.
According to an official handout, the mass wedding ceremony was organized by the Department of Zakat and Ushr in collaboration with the district administration Peshawar.
The event was attended by provincial ministers, special assistants, members of the provincial assembly, the Director of Social Welfare, the Chairman of the Provincial Zakat Council, the Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar, the Chairman of Peshawar Zakat Committee, and the families of the newlywed couples.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Guest, Minister for Social Welfare and Zakat & Ushr, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, emphasized that this was just the beginning of such initiatives, and similar ceremonies will be held at the divisional level across the province. He congratulated the newlyweds, extended his best wishes for their prosperous future, and assured them of continued government support. The minister also distributed checks and gifts among the couples.
Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah stated that under the welfare vision of Imran Khan, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has officially launched the “Marriage Program.” As per the directives of Chief Minister, more than 4,000 mass weddings will be conducted across the province under the Zakat & Ushr Department, with the first phase inaugurated in Peshawar today. A special message from Chief Minister, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, was also played for the newlywed couples. The event included transport arrangements for the couples to and from the wedding hall, along with a grand feast in their honor. The traditional KP cultural dance, Attan was also performed during the ceremony. Additionally, the Zakat Department and local administration distributed gifts among all the couples.
