Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially launched Pakistan’s very first government-run Deceased Transportation Service. It is free, dignified, and professionally managed service that transfers the bodies of deceased individuals from government hospitals to their homes, at absolutely no cost to the family.
This is not just a welfare initiative, it is a promise from the government that in your darkest hour, the state will stand beside you.
What Is the Punjab Deceased Transportation Service?
The Deceased Transportation Service (also referred to as the Deceased Care Service) is a public welfare program introduced by the Government of Punjab. It is described as the first of its kind introduced by any province in Pakistan.
The service ensures that:
- The body of a deceased person is transported free of charge
- The transfer is done with full dignity and respect
- The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Families do not need to search for or pay private transporters
This initiative directly addresses one of the most overlooked gaps in public healthcare service delivery in Pakistan.
Where Is the Free Deceased Transportation Available Right Now?
Phase 1 Cities (Currently Active)
The service has been launched in its first phase across three major cities: Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. Bodies of deceased individuals are transported from government hospitals to their homes completely free of cost.
| City | Service Status |
|---|---|
| Lahore | Active |
| Multan | Active |
| Rawalpindi | Active |
| Other Punjab Cities | Coming Soon (Phase 2) |
| All Tehsils of Punjab | Planned |
How Can You Access the Deceased Transportation Service?
Using this service is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1 — Call 1122
The service is accessible via Pakistan’s emergency helpline 1122, which coordinates the dispatch of vehicles from hospitals to residences or mortuaries.
A dedicated desk will be set up in every government hospital for the purpose. You can walk up to this desk and request the service directly without any paperwork hassle.
Step 3 — Trained Staff Will Handle Everything
Trained uniformed drivers will provide round-the-clock service. They will arrive at the hospital, handle the body with full respect and care, and transport it to the family’s home.
Step 4 — No Payment Required
The service is 100% free. Staff has been officially instructed not to accept any money. CM Maryam Nawaz directed Rescue staff not to accept any payment, even if offered by bereaved families.
Who Is Running This Service? The Role of Rescue 1122
The Rescue 1122 department Pakistan’s most trusted emergency services organization is managing and operating this service. Director General Rescue Services Dr. Rizwan Naseer confirmed that the service can be accessed through 1122 and that operations will be monitored through a smart rescue management and dispatch system aimed at ensuring efficiency and transparency.
Rescue 1122 is already trusted across Punjab for ambulance services, firefighting, and disaster response. Adding deceased transportation to their responsibilities ensures:
- Professional and trained staff handles every case
- Dispatch is fast and coordinated through existing systems
- Accountability is maintained through smart monitoring
What Did CM Maryam Nawaz Say at the Launch?
During the launch ceremony, CM Maryam Nawaz said: “During the painful time of losing a loved one, we are and will remain with the people.”
She personally:
- Handed over the keys of the service vehicles to authorities in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan
- Inspected the entire fleet of vehicles
- Met with Rescue 1122 personnel and appreciated their dedication
- Directed all staff to perform their duties with sincerity, compassion, and a spirit of public service
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique described the initiative as commendable and said it was intended to help citizens feel supported during moments of grief.
How Is Deceased Transportation Service Different From Regular Ambulance Services?
Many people may wonder how is this different from the regular 1122 ambulance service? Here is a simple comparison:
| Feature | Regular 1122 Ambulance | Deceased Transportation Service |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Medical emergencies for living patients | Transport of deceased from hospital to home |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Availability | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Staff Training | Medical emergency response | Deceased handling + grief support |
| Morgue Transfer | Not primary function | Yes, available |
| Hospital Desk | No dedicated desk | Yes, dedicated desk at every govt hospital |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this service really free? Are there any hidden charges?
Yes, this service is 100% free with absolutely no hidden charges. The Punjab government funds the entire service. CM Maryam Nawaz has personally directed all Rescue 1122 staff to never accept any payment from families even if the family voluntarily offers money.
Will this service come to my city or tehsil soon?
Yes. The Punjab government has officially announced that by June 2026, the Deceased Transportation Service will be expanded to every tehsil across Punjab. Each tehsil will receive a dedicated ambulance under this program.
Can this service also transfer a body to the hospital morgue?
Yes. Apart from transferring the body from hospital to home, this service also facilitates the transfer of bodies to hospital morgues when needed. So whether you need the body taken home or to a morgue, the same service handles both.