Burial costs across Punjab are rising rapidly, creating serious concerns for families already dealing with loss. People in many areas say they are being charged far more than the official rates.

Reports show that more than 18,637 graveyards across 41 districts and 256 tehsils are facing issues such as inconsistent pricing and poor maintenance. Many cemeteries are not following standard regulations.

In major areas like Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sahiwal, DG Khan, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, grave prices have increased sharply. Families are being charged between Rs25,000 and Rs100,000, which is significantly higher than expected.

In Lahore, around 83% of graveyards charge between Rs25,000 and Rs40,000, while the official government rate for a basic grave is only Rs10,500. This wide gap highlights a lack of proper regulation.

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Private graveyards are even more expensive. Preferred burial spaces cost between Rs25,000 and Rs50,000. Additional charges for digging and materials range from Rs10,000 to Rs50,000, compared to about Rs10,000 in public graveyards.

Prices also vary widely from one graveyard to another. For example, Miani Sahib charges around Rs10,500, while Bibi Pak Daman charges up to Rs50,000. Other graveyards also show significant differences in rates.

Officials say a system to implement uniform pricing has not yet been fully enforced. There are also reports of financial mismanagement involving millions of rupees in some cemetery committees. Authorities have said they are working to improve conditions and ensure better management of graveyards. Instructions have also been issued to restore and regulate cemeteries across different areas.