Key Points
- First-ever government-run service for respectful transportation of deceased individuals
- Initial phase covers Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi with expansion to all tehsils by June
- Call 1122 to access free service with trained uniformed drivers available 24/7
- Counselling support for grieving families as staff strictly refuse any payments
LAHORE: In a ground-breaking initiative for Pakistan, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially launched a government-operated ‘Deceased Care Service’ on Monday, designed to ensure a dignified and free ambulance service for transporting deceased individuals from government hospitals to their final resting places.
The deceased transport service will initially function in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, where bodies will be moved with proper care and respect at no cost to grieving families. Authorities have revealed plans to gradually extend this facility to every tehsil across Punjab by June, making it widely accessible throughout the province.
CM Maryam launched Pakistan’s first free “Deceased Care Service” ending private exploitation with dignified, Zero cost funeral transport. pic.twitter.com/v2YUsIOda7
— PMLN (@pmln_org) April 13, 2026
Under the programme, each tehsil will receive dedicated ambulances specifically allocated for deceased transport. The Chief Minister formally handed over vehicle keys for the three pilot cities and personally inspected the fleet.
Maryam Nawaz urges staff to reject payments
During her visit, Maryam Nawaz interacted with rescue personnel assigned to the service, commending their dedication and urging them to work with sincerity and compassion. She stressed that staff should serve humanity with a public service spirit and strictly refuse any form of payment, even when offered by distressed families.
She further directed that families who lose a loved one should receive counselling and emotional support, acknowledging the profound pain of such loss. “In moments of grief, we stand with the people and will continue to do so,” she stated.
Highlighting existing hardships, the Chief Minister termed it unfortunate that private transporters often charge exorbitant fees for transferring bodies, adding that this initiative aims to eliminate such exploitation.
ALSO READ: Pakistan’s Punjab Province Launches Free Mortuary Ambulance Service Across Province
Health Minister hails compassionate step
Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique called the launch a commendable step, noting that the service is designed to make people feel supported during their most difficult times. He explained that currently, the free ambulance service will operate within city limits in the three pilot cities, with future phases including private ambulance provisions where necessary.
“پاکستان میں پہلی بار سرکاری سطح پر باقاعدہ میت منتقلی سروس، عوام خدمت میں پنجاب کا نیا اعزاز”
⭕: وزیراعلیٰ مریم نواز شریف نے پاکستان کی پہلی سرکاری ”میت منتقلی سروس“کا آغاز کر دیا
⭕: میت منتقلی سروس کی پہلے فیز میں لاہور،ملتان اور روالپنڈی کےسرکاری ہسپتالوں سے تکریم کے ساتھ… pic.twitter.com/hotEnL5OzA
— PMLN (@pmln_org) April 13, 2026
How to access the service
Director General Rescue Services, Dr. Rizwan Naseer, briefed officials on the operational framework. Citizens can access the service by calling 1122, while trained, uniformed drivers will be available round the clock at government hospitals. Dedicated service desks will also be established in hospitals to facilitate the process.
Additionally, the service will allow transfer of deceased individuals to hospital mortuaries when required, with all operations monitored through a smart rescue management and dispatch system.
A milestone for compassionate governance
This initiative marks a significant step toward compassionate governance, aiming to provide relief and dignity to families during moments of loss. By removing financial burdens at an already difficult time, Punjab’s government has set a new standard for public service in Pakistan.
