Dhi Rani: Punjab Mass Wedding Support for Poor Families

By My Rishta Pakistan · Updated 27 October 2026

Information checked on 27 October 2026. Details can change between phases, so confirm on the official portal.

For many families, the cost of a daughter’s wedding is the biggest worry. The Punjab government’s Dhi Rani programme (also spelled “Dhee Rani”) offers collective weddings with financial and household support for families who cannot afford a ceremony.

What is Dhi Rani?

Dhi Rani is a programme of government-organised mass weddings for couples from low-income families. ProPakistani reported one early event in January 2025: 51 couples married together in Lahore, including five Christian couples, with food provided by the Social Welfare Department. AsiaNews (16 February 2026) reported that the programme had since expanded, with ceremonies in Sargodha, Layyah, Nankana Sahab and Muzaffargarh, including couples from minority communities.

What do couples receive?

• Cash support: Rs200,000 per couple as a gift (salami), according to the Punjab Social Welfare Department’s page for the 2025-26 programme. Earlier reports from Geo (October 2024) and ProPakistani (January 2025) said about Rs100,000, so the amount has changed between phases.
• Household items: furniture, utensils, clothes and other daily necessities, according to Geo and AsiaNews.
• Food: Geo reported food for 20 guests of each couple.

Who can apply?

Reports describe the scheme as aimed at families with limited means. AsiaNews says brides are chosen through a vetting process that gives priority to hardship, including orphans and persons with disabilities. Special teams verify applicants at home, according to Geo. Detailed eligibility rules are on the official portal.

How to apply

The Punjab Social Welfare Department page lists online registration at cmp.punjab.gov.pk/register and the helpline 1312 (Geo reported the same helpline in October 2024). Applicants give basic details such as name, CNIC number, district and mobile number. Call the helpline or check the portal to find out whether applications are open now.

Prepare these documents

The news reports do not list the required documents. The official portal or the helpline will tell you what to bring.

Beware of fake agents and scams

Applications are free. Do not pay anyone who says they can “get your daughter selected”. Do not share OTPs or bank details. Use only the official portal and helpline.

Frequently asked questions

Is it only for Muslims?
No. Reports mention Christian and Sikh couples married in these ceremonies.

Do both families still arrange the rishta themselves?
The reports describe support for the wedding ceremony and household items, not a matchmaking service. Our guide on how to find a suitable rishta step by step can help.

Where can I learn about other ways to manage wedding costs?
Read our guide to jahez, bari and salami.

Looking for a suitable match? Join My Rishta Pakistan free and browse profiles from across Pakistan.

My Rishta Pakistan is an independent non-profit and is not connected with any government body or political party. This article is for information only.

Sources

• Geo News: Each couple to get Rs100,000 under Punjab mass marriage scheme (21 Oct 2024)
• AsiaNews: In Punjab, collective marriages and financial assistance for disadvantaged brides (16 Feb 2026)
• ProPakistani: Punjab launches mass wedding program (12 Jan 2025)
• Punjab Social Welfare Department: Dhee Rani Program 2025-26