What is Safar-e-Akhirat: Background, Features, and Future Plans

In life, one of the most important things we all go through is the journey towards what comes after, called Safar-e-Akhirat. This concept includes the final stages of our earthly existence, like being buried and what happens after we die.

Safar-e-Akhirat is a project dedicated to providing graveyard facilities for the needy. By reducing the financial burden it ensures that families are not financially strained, allowing them to honor their loved ones with respect.

Let’s explore what Safar-e-Akhir is all about:

A Story Behind Safar-e-Akhir

With decades of unwavering dedication to public service, Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) has been an inspiring leader, exemplified by his tenure as Chairman of Bait-ul-Maal and the establishment of Asia's largest orphanage, Pakistan Sweet Home.

Since 2009, Zamurrad Khan has worked tirelessly to support the orphans of Pakistan. Through his close interaction with the community, he recognized that for the less privileged, not only living but even dying poses significant challenges. Many low-income families struggle with the rising costs of funeral arrangements, which have become an overwhelming burden.

Motivated by this realization, Zamurrad Khan acquired two graveyards with the vision of providing a free burial service nationwide. His goal is to provide deserving families the means to lay their loved ones to rest without financial hardship.

"I have witnessed innocent, helpless people who had to borrow money to afford a dignified burial due to the glaring absence of state support. This moved me deeply. My supporters have always stood by me in every initiative I've undertaken, and I am confident that I will receive even greater love and support for this cause."

Why is it Needed?

In today's challenging times, even the sole act of bidding farewell to a loved one has become a burden for many. The weight of daily struggles often leaves citizens feeling overwhelmed, with death itself seeming like an unaffordable luxury.

As a result, middle and lower-income families are forced to rely on borrowed funds from friends and relatives to carry out the necessary burial rites.

Instead of grieving the loss of their loved ones, these families find themselves consumed with worry over the financial strain of arranging a dignified farewell.

Average Burial and Funeral Costs in Pakistan

The soaring costs associated with traditional burial services can be overwhelming for those unprepared for the financial burden. On average, basic funeral and burial expenses range from Rs. 40,000 to 60,000.

Expanding Our Mission Nationwide

Starting from Rawalpindi and Islamabad districts, our mission is to provide free funeral and burial services to deserving families and expand our facilities nationwide, beginning from our humble origins.

Safar-e-Akhirat is committed to ensuring that no family, regardless of their financial status, has to worry about the costs and logistics of a dignified burial. This initiative goes beyond just providing graveyard facilities as it involves comprehensive support.

In our future plans, we also aim to develop a digital record-keeping system. This will ensure all records are stored digitally and accessible online, benefiting visitors and families.

Comprehensive Support for Funeral & Burial Ceremonies

Our aim is to ensure a range of resources are readily available to assist families in need every step of the way. At Safar-e-Akhirat, there are both full and partial funeral services to accommodate the diverse needs of the people.

Our Full Funeral Assistance package includes comprehensive support, starting with body pickup from your location. The body is then brought to our facility for ghusal (Final bath) and kafan (ritual washing and shrouding).

The Safar-e-Aakhir team provides a dedicated space for Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayer) and handles transportation to the graveyard. The service also includes Qabar (grave) allocation, preparation, and the burial itself.

For those who require more specific services, our Partial Funeral Assistance package includes transportation, Qabar (grave) allocation in our graveyard, Qabar (grave) preparation, and burial. This flexibility ensures that every family receives the appropriate level of support during their time of need.

The Graveyard Features

Currently, we have two graveyards, Rakh Dhamiyal, and Fateh Jung, with the following features:

• Boundary Walls and Gate: Ensuring security and privacy from animals like dogs and goats.
• Ablution Room: Providing facilities for religious purification rites.
• Funeral Prayer Area: A dedicated space for final prayers.
• Walking Path: Ensuring ease of movement and preserving the dignity of graves.
• Dedicated Team: Managing and maintaining the graveyard efficiently.
• Graveyard Maintenance: A dedicated caretaker ensures well-maintained graves and surrounding areas.
• We have started our work with the Rakh Dhamial Graveyard, which spans a total area of 1,000 kanal. Out of this, 200 Kanal are designated for Christian and other minority communities, promoting inclusivity and respect for diverse faiths.

How can you Support us?

We have listed the essential needs required for us to operate efficiently and serve the community. Some of these needs are ongoing, while others are one-time requirements.

We have set specific targets to raise donations for each item to ensure we can acquire the needed resources and promptly get to action in serving deserving families in their critical times. Your contributions can make a significant difference, and you are welcome to support one or multiple areas that resonate with you.