On Saturday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the "Dhee Rani Program," a significant initiative designed to assist underprivileged families. The event began with a mass wedding ceremony for 51 couples, which included five Christian brides and grooms, making it the first program of its kind in the province.
A Moment of Joy for Underprivileged Families
During the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz extended her congratulations to the newlyweds, their families, and parents, sharing her heartfelt wishes for their future happiness. She expressed her emotional joy, stating, “This is an emotional moment for both the children and their parents. As much as your parents are happy today, I am equally delighted to join in your joy as a mother.”
Maryam Nawaz took the time to personally greet each couple, handing out congratulatory greeting cards and offering prayers for their prosperous married lives. "May Allah Almighty bless the start of your new lives, turning sorrows into everlasting happiness," she said.
Gifts and Monetary Support for Newlyweds
As part of the Dhee Rani Program, the newlyweds received essential household items like mattresses, dinner sets, cooking utensils, and other necessities. Each couple was also given a "Dhee Rani Greeting Card," which entitled them to a monetary gift (salami) of Rs 100,000, helping to alleviate the financial burden of marriage expenses for those in need.
Maryam Nawaz showed a keen interest in inspecting the gifts provided to the couples and participated in a group photo with the newlyweds. The Social Welfare Department organized a complimentary lunch for all attendees, ensuring that the celebration was a memorable occasion for everyone involved.
Promoting Inclusivity and Social Welfare
The Dhee Rani Program aims to support underprivileged families by easing the financial burdens associated with marriage, encouraging inclusivity, and enhancing social welfare. Maryam Nawaz highlighted the importance of the program, noting that it would contribute to building a more compassionate and supportive society. The mass wedding ceremony, hosted at one of Lahore's top marriage halls, signified the start of what the Punjab government envisions as an ongoing initiative to assist disadvantaged families and reinforce social connections.