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Pakistan's Burial Crisis: Inflation Turns Final Rites into a Luxury for the Poor

Soaring inflation in Pakistan has pushed funeral and burial expenses beyond the reach of many families in Rawalpindi. The long-standing tradition of free grave-digging by volunteers has been replaced by commercialized services. Families now face steep costs for grave space, excavation, and bricks, totaling Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000. The Citizens Action Committee has urged redirecting wedding spending to help grieving families struggling with burial costs.

Key Points: Pakistan Burial Crisis: Inflation Makes Funerals a Luxury

  • Soaring inflation in Rawalpindi makes funerals unaffordable for the poor
  • Traditional free grave-digging volunteer service has disappeared
  • Burial costs range from Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000
  • Shrouds and ritual items add another Rs 5,000 to 6,000 in expenses
2 min read

Pakistan's burial crisis: Inflation turns final rites into a luxury for poor

Soaring inflation in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has made funeral and burial expenses unaffordable for many poor families, forcing them into debt.

"Poorer families are often forced to purchase low-quality burial clothes due to rising prices. - The Express Tribune"

Rawalpindi, May 13

Soaring inflation in Pakistan has pushed funeral and burial expenses beyond the reach of many families in Rawalpindi, exposing a deepening humanitarian crisis where even burying loved ones has become financially overwhelming. Low-income households are increasingly falling into debt simply to perform basic funeral rites, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to The Express Tribune, for decades, local communities in Rawalpindi upheld a tradition in which volunteers dug graves free of charge as an act of charity and religious service. However, this long-standing social practice has nearly disappeared, replaced by commercialised burial arrangements and strict cemetery regulations.

The city's graveyards are also running out of space. Several major cemeteries have reportedly installed notices announcing that no burial plots remain available. Families now face steep costs for securing grave space, grave excavation, and brick preparation, with total expenses ranging from Pakistani Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000. In addition, ritual washing services for the deceased now require separate payments.

The inflationary burden extends to funeral essentials as well. Burial shrouds that once cost modest amounts are now being sold for Pakistani Rs3,000 to Rs4,000, while items such as rose water, incense, camphor and flower petals add another Pakistani Rs 2,000 or more to funeral expenses. Poorer families are often forced to purchase low-quality burial clothes due to rising prices. The Citizens Action Committee has criticised the worsening situation, urging Pakistanis to redirect extravagant spending on weddings and celebrations toward helping grieving families struggling with burial costs, as cited by The Express Tribune.

Permanent graves have also become increasingly expensive. Simple brick-and-cement structures now cost nearly Pakistani Rs 15,000, while marble graves can exceed Pakistani Rs 30,000 depending on design and material quality. Reports further alleged that some cemetery workers remove old graves or reuse abandoned burial sites in exchange for payments, raising ethical concerns over graveyard management in the city, as reported by The Express Tribune.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Ravi K
Where is the 'Islamic welfare state' they keep talking about? If people can't even bury their dead with dignity, what's the point of all those slogans about brotherhood and compassion? The rich in Pakistan still throw lavish weddings but the poor can't afford a shroud. Shameful.
J
James A
This is a sad reflection of how inflation affects every aspect of life, including death. I hope the government in Pakistan takes note and provides some relief. No one should have to go into debt to give their loved ones a proper farewell.
P
Priya S
It's ironic that in a country founded on religious principles, basic religious rites have become unaffordable for the poor. The tradition of volunteers digging graves for free was beautiful and should have been preserved. Commercialization of death is truly dystopian. 🌹
D
Deepak U
Honestly, while I feel for the common Pakistani citizen, I can't help but think this is the result of their leadership's priorities. They spend billions on nuclear weapons and supporting terrorism but can't ensure their own people can bury their dead. Karma is real.
S
Sneha F
The part about cemetery workers removing old graves for money is deeply disturbing. 😞 This shows complete lack of respect. Indias cremation grounds and burial sites are strictly regulated - we must ensure such practices never take root here. Human dignity must be preserved even in death.

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