TAXILA: The Punjab government’s public welfare initiative, the ‘dignified deceased transfer service’ has been launched in the Attock district.
Member National Assembly Sheikh Aftab Ahmad inaugurated the service on Sunday at a ceremony.
Under the initiative, six specially designated ambulances have been provided to Attock district, with one assigned to each of its six tehsils Attock, Hazro, Hassanabdal, Jand, Pindigheb and Fatehjang. The service will be provided free of charge.
District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122 Dr Mian Mohammad Ashfaq while announcing the operational framework said citizens can seek the service by dialling Rescue 1122, while dedicated facilitation arrangements are being established at government hospitals.
He said that the service is designed to operate through Rescue 1122’s dispatch and management system, with trained personnelresponsible for handling the deceased with dignity and respect.
He said that the launch represents an expansion of Rescue 1122’s conventional emergency role into a bereavement-support and public welfare function, with the emphasis placed not on medical intervention but on ensuring that the deceased are transported home in a safe, dignified and cost-free manner.
Speaking on this occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner Attock Anil Saeed said the deployment of six dedicated ambulances means that the service will have district-wide coverage rather than being confined to the district headquarters.
The arrangement is expected to be particularly useful for residents of rural and remote areas of Jand, Pindigheb, Fatehjang, Hazro and Hassanabdal, who can otherwise face difficulty arranging suitable transportation during an emotionally and financially distressing situation.
Addressing the ceremony, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad appreciated the performance of Rescue 1122 and said the initiative would provide families with a dignified and humane facility at one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
He said the government’s decision to place the service under the Rescue 1122 network would help ensure a more organised and professional response.