Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched Pakistan’s first free government-run dead body transportation service.
According to officials, in the first phase, the service will provide free and respectful transportation of deceased persons from government hospitals in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi to their homes. The service is expected to be gradually expanded to every tehsil across Punjab by June.
Authorities said that each tehsil will be equipped with a dedicated ambulance under the “Deceased Care Service” to ensure timely and dignified transportation.
During the launch ceremony, Maryam Nawaz Sharif handed over vehicle keys for Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, inspected the ambulances, and met with rescue personnel assigned to the service.
Speaking on the occasion, she directed the staff to serve the public with compassion and sincerity, adding that supporting and consoling grieving families will also be part of their responsibilities.
The chief minister noted that private transporters often charge excessive fees for transferring bodies from hospitals, calling the practice unfortunate. She instructed rescue workers not to accept any payments from families, emphasising that the government stands with citizens in their time of grief and will continue to support them.
Pakistan Railways announces big update on train fares
In a separate development, the federal government decided to keep train fares and freight charges unchanged for the next three months, despite a rise in diesel prices, by providing financial support to Pakistan Railways.
According to PR Chief Executive Officer Amir Ali Baloch, the increase in diesel prices has raised operational costs by nearly Rs1.9 billion per month, bringing the total additional burden to around Rs6 billion until June 30.
He stated that the railway administration initially had no option but to increase fares and freight charges by 30 per cent following the fuel price hike. However, the prime minister intervened and sought a detailed report from the finance and railways ministries on the potential impact.
After reviewing the situation, the government decided to cover the Rs6 billion cost, ensuring that passengers and freight customers are not burdened with increased charges during this period.
The development will facilitate both travellers and goods transport customers by maintaining existing fare levels amid rising fuel costs.
Meanwhile, the CEO added that despite some damage to passenger coaches and freight wagons due to recent accidents and derailments, a special engineering team has been formed to carry out immediate repairs and maintenance of the affected rolling stock.
Also read: Pakistan Railways announces discounts on train tickets
