In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Pakistan, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a government-run “Deceased Care Service” to provide free transportation of bodies. The service was inaugurated on Monday and is aimed at supporting grieving families during difficult times.
In the initial phase, the facility has been introduced in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. Under this program, deceased individuals will be transported free of cost from government hospitals to their homes. The Punjab government plans to expand the service to all tehsils across the province by June [1].
Each tehsil will be equipped with dedicated ambulances to ensure timely and respectful transfer of bodies. During the launch ceremony, the chief minister handed over vehicle keys, inspected the fleet, and interacted with rescue staff. She instructed personnel to serve with compassion, emphasizing that helping bereaved families is both a humanitarian responsibility and public duty.
Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the issue of private transporters overcharging families in times of grief and strictly directed rescue staff not to accept any payment under any circumstances. Additionally, staff have been advised to provide emotional support and counseling to affected families.
The service can be accessed by calling 1122, with trained drivers available round the clock at government hospitals. Operations will be monitored through a smart dispatch system to ensure transparency and efficiency
