How to raise funds for funeral and memorial costs in Pakistan

Updated 16 September 2026. Facts checked against the sources listed below.

A death brings costs that arrive all at once — burial, travel for family, and sometimes the debts or dependents the person leaves behind. This is one of the more straightforward needs to present honestly, because the amounts are concrete and there are often existing grants a family is entitled to but does not know about. Check those first, then raise for what remains.

Check the grants a family may already be entitled to

Before raising from the public, find out whether the deceased or the family qualifies for an existing scheme. These are underused because people do not know they exist.

For a registered overseas Pakistani, the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation runs welfare schemes for members and their families, which can include death-related financial assistance. Check the current scheme and amounts on their site (Overseas Pakistanis Foundation).
For a Punjab government employee, the Punjab Employees Benevolent Fund provides financial assistance to the family on the employee’s death. The department or the fund’s office can tell you what applies (Punjab Employees Benevolent Fund).
Federal government employees, and employees of large institutions, often have their own benevolent or welfare funds. Ask the deceased’s employer’s HR or welfare office.

Raising for what is left

Once you know what the grants cover, raise for the gap, not a round number. Say who the person was, who they left behind, and exactly what the money is for — the burial, a specific debt, or support for young children. A memorial fundraiser is also a place people gather to remember someone, so a short, honest tribute belongs on the page.

On GoFundMeNow you create the fundraiser under the Memorial category, it is reviewed by an administrator before it can accept a rupee, and donations come in through JazzCash and EasyPaisa. If the money is to clear a specific bill, name that institution’s account when you withdraw, and post the receipt.

A sample memorial appeal

"My father, Abdul Rasheed (61, Faisalabad), passed away last week after a short illness. He was the only earner. The immediate need is Rs 120,000: the outstanding hospital bill of Rs 80,000 and Rs 40,000 for the burial, which is already done. His employer’s welfare fund has been applied for and we are waiting. Anything raised beyond this will go toward my mother’s next three months. I will post the paid hospital receipt here."

Roman Urdu: "Mere walid Abdul Rasheed (61 saal, Faisalabad) ka pichle hafte inteqaal ho gaya. Woh ghar ke waahid kamane wale the. Foran zaroorat Rs 120,000 ki hai: hospital ka baqaya bill Rs 80,000 aur tadfeen ka Rs 40,000. Jo raqam is se zyada hogi woh walida ke agle teen mahine ke liye hogi. Rasid yahan lagaunga."

Questions people ask

Can I raise money for a funeral that has already happened?

Yes. Many memorial fundraisers cover costs already paid — a burial done on borrowed money, a hospital bill outstanding at the time of death, or support for the family left behind. Say clearly what the money is for and what has already been spent.

Is there any government help with funeral costs in Pakistan?

For some families, yes. Overseas Pakistani members may qualify through the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, and Punjab government employees’ families through the Punjab Employees Benevolent Fund. Amounts and eligibility change, so check the official pages linked above and ask the employer’s welfare office.

How do donors give?

Through JazzCash or EasyPaisa, in rupees. Every fundraiser is reviewed by an administrator before it can accept a donation.

Start a memorial fundraiser