Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched Pakistan’s first government-run “Deceased Care Service” to provide free and dignified transportation of dead bodies from hospitals to homes.
The service was officially announced and inaugurated in April 2026. In the first phase, it has started in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. The Punjab government plans to expand it to all tehsils across the province by June 2026.
Under this initiative, dedicated ambulances with trained staff from the Rescue 1122 service will transport the deceased free of cost. Families can easily avail the service by calling 1122 or by requesting it at hospital help desks. The government has also arranged at least one dedicated vehicle in each tehsil for smooth operations.
The main aim of the service is to end the exploitation by private transporters who often charge high fees from grieving families. It ensures respectful and compassionate handling of the deceased. In addition to free transport, the service will also provide basic counseling support to help families during their difficult times.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz described the project as a step towards compassionate and people-friendly governance. She directed officials to monitor the entire process through a smart management system for transparency and efficiency.
This initiative has been widely welcomed by the public as it brings great relief to families who face financial and emotional burden at the time of loss.
Punjab has become the first province in Pakistan to introduce such a dignified government service.
