The Punjab government has launched the third phase of the Dhee Rani Programme to help meet wedding expenses for daughters from deserving, underprivileged and low-income families. The programme will arrange mass weddings and provide brides with Rs200,000 in cash assistance as a wedding gift through ATM cards. According to the Punjab Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Department, mass wedding ceremonies under the welfare programme began on 12th Nov, 2026.

The provincial government has set a target for the 2026/27 financial year to arrange government-sponsored weddings for 5,000 more deserving couples, with the Punjab government covering all ceremony expenses. The Rs200,000 assistance is exclusively part of the government’s mass wedding scheme. No general cash assistance will be provided for privately arranged weddings. Selected brides will receive the amount as a wedding gift through ATM cards to ensure transparency.

Under the scheme’s eligibility criteria, priority will be given to orphan girls, women with disabilities, daughters of people with disabilities, and brides from families facing extreme economic hardship. Brides must be aged between 18 and 40 and hold a valid Punjab domicile. They must be unmarried, have a match arranged, agree to attend the government-sponsored mass wedding ceremony and provide an affidavit to that effect. Families wishing to apply can submit an online application through the official Punjab Dhee Rani Programme portal themselves or through the bride’s father, mother or legal guardian.

Applicants must first create an account on the portal by entering their name, national identity card number, district and mobile number. After logging in, they must complete the application form and upload all required documents as instructed. Officials of the relevant department will review all applications and verify applicants’ eligibility. If applications exceed the available places, eligible candidates will be selected through a transparent electronic ballot. After final approval, selected applicants will be informed by SMS of the mass wedding ceremony date and other details. Financial assistance will be provided through ATM cards at the ceremony.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)