RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak on Friday inaugurated the “Syeda Fatima Zahra (RA) Free Burial Service and Charity Food Centre” along Liaquat Bagh.

Pakistan Sweet Home Chairman Zamrud Khan, PML-N MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Usman Shaukat, High Court Bar President Saeed Yousaf and representatives of civil society were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Tahira Aurangzeb said that under this project, poor and deserving families would not face financial difficulties at the time of burial as grave, ambulance, and burial expenses would be provided free of cost. She said the project was a strong example of public service, humanitarianism, and social welfare, offering relief especially to deserving families.

She further said that serving vulnerable and underprivileged segments of society is a collective responsibility.

Mr Khattak said the project had been established to provide facilities to citizens under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for public welfare.

He said the land available for cemeteries in Rawalpindi city was decreasing rapidly, and in view of this, a special committee had been formed to find a permanent solution to the issue. The committee will perform its responsibilities under the supervision of the assistant commissioner (City).

He said the establishment of this modern welfare centre in a short time was commendable. He added that the model would be extended to other districts and cities in the future so that more citizens could benefit from the facility.

Pakistan Sweet Home Chairman Zamrud Khan, while addressing the ceremony, said that Allah Almighty has blessed people with countless blessings in their short lives, and this welfare project is also part of that chain of service.

He said that during the last three years, 550 graves had been arranged in Rakh Dhamial, while the Dastarkhwan service was started from Chakri, where 700 to 800 people are receiving free food daily.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2026