CM Maryam approves free van service for body transportatin across Punjab

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz seeks a detailed implementation plan for introducing government-run vehicle services in all major public hospitals as well as at the tehsil level

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Feb 23^rd, 2026) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday formally approved the launch of a province-wide free body transportation service, marking the first initiative of its kind in Punjab to support bereaved families.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister, where authorities were directed to operationalise a complimentary ambulance service for transporting deceased persons from hospitals to their homes.

The initiative is part of the provincial government’s broader welfare agenda aimed at facilitating citizens during times of grief and hardship.

CM Maryam sought a detailed implementation plan for introducing government-run vehicle services in all major public hospitals as well as at the tehsil level. She instructed that at least one dedicated van be made available in every tehsil to ensure that families can shift bodies from hospitals without facing financial hardship.

Under the proposed mechanism, families will be able to access the service by calling Rescue 1122 or by contacting a designated counter established within hospitals. Officials briefed the meeting that the transportation system will be monitored through a smart management system to ensure transparency, efficiency and proper oversight.

In a further relief measure, it was decided that the facility will also provide free inter-city transportation of bodies, enabling families to move the deceased to their hometowns or other districts without incurring additional costs.

The meeting also discussed the need to regulate private ambulance services operating across the province. Participants reviewed a proposal to introduce standardised rates for private operators to prevent overcharging and to ensure that citizens are not exploited during emergencies.