“Assisting grieving families is both a humanitarian duty and a form of public service,” stated Maryam Nawaz Sharif, reflecting on Punjab’s new initiative to support families during their most difficult times.

The Punjab government has launched a free service designed to transport deceased individuals from government hospitals to their homes. This service, which is accessible through the emergency number 1122, is expected to expand across the province by June 2026.

Initially, the service will operate in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, providing a crucial lifeline to families facing the emotional and financial burdens associated with the death of a loved one. Bodies will be transported free of charge, ensuring that families do not incur additional costs during their time of grief.

Each tehsil will be equipped with dedicated ambulances under the newly established Deceased Care Service. This initiative marks a significant step in public service, as it is the first of its kind introduced by any province in Pakistan.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlighted the issue of private transporters, stating, “It is unfortunate that private transporters often charge excessive fares during such difficult times.” This new service aims to alleviate such financial pressures on grieving families.

To ensure the effective operation of the service, trained drivers in uniform will be available around the clock at government hospitals. Dedicated desks will also be set up at these hospitals to facilitate the process for families.

In addition to transporting bodies to homes, the service will assist in transferring bodies to hospital morgues when necessary. The Chief Minister has directed staff to perform their duties with compassion and sincerity, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity in such situations.

Rescue workers involved in the service have been instructed not to accept any money for their assistance, reinforcing the commitment to provide this service free of charge.

As part of ongoing efforts to improve public services, the Punjab Education Department has also ordered the digitization of student data, addressing discrepancies in records affecting approximately 1.7 million students enrolled in public schools. The deadline to finalize the data correction process is set for April 30, 2026.

This initiative in Punjab reflects a broader commitment to enhancing public welfare and providing essential services to citizens during challenging times.