CM Maryam launches free body transfer service across Punjab

An official handout says service will initially be launched in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, where bodies will be transported free of charge from government hospitals to homes of deceased

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 13rd, 2026) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday inaugurated a government-run deceased (body) transfer service, marking the first such initiative by any province in Pakistan.

An official handout said that the service will initially be launched in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, where bodies will be transported free of charge from government hospitals to the homes of the deceased. The facility is expected to be expanded to all tehsils across the province by June.

Under the “Deceased Care Service,” dedicated ambulances will be deployed in each tehsil to ensure timely and dignified transportation. During the inauguration ceremony, the chief minister handed over keys of the ambulances for the three cities, inspected the fleet, and interacted with rescue personnel.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Maryam directed staff to perform their duties with compassion and professionalism, emphasizing that supporting bereaved families is both a humanitarian obligation and a public service. She also instructed teams to provide emotional support and basic counselling to families dealing with loss.

Highlighting challenges faced by citizens, the chief minister noted that private transporters often charge excessive fees in such situations. She strictly directed rescue staff not to accept any payment, even if offered voluntarily.

Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique termed the initiative a major relief measure, stating that it aims to support citizens during times of grief. He said the service will initially operate within city limits, with plans to expand its scope in the next phase, including potential collaboration with private ambulance services.

Director General Rescue Services Dr Rizwan Naseer said the service can be accessed through the emergency helpline 1122. He added that trained drivers will remain on duty round the clock at government hospitals, where dedicated facilitation desks will also be established.

He further said the service will also assist in transporting bodies to morgues if required, while operations will be monitored through a digital dispatch system to ensure efficiency and transparency.