The latest turmoil within the party has come with its MPA Shazia Farooq allegedly attempting suicide
KARACHI: There is no denying the fact that there is a general atmosphere of uncertainty leading up to the general elections this year. The pressure is excruciating for many and political tiffs have also been taking ugly turns, especially within the MQM-P. The latest turmoil within the party has come with its MPA Shazia Farooq allegedly attempting suicide after Farooq Sattar allegedly accused her of taking money to sell her vote in the Senate elections.
While it is yet to be known what made Shazia swallow a large quantity of sedative pills, we can’t rule out the fact that political pressure can be life threatening, and on top of that the lack of discourse on mental health issues further pushes the sufferer into isolation.
Mental health of politicians is rarely discussed even though many are at vulnerable positions, owing to the unpleasant atmosphere of politics present in the country. Also, let’s not forget that healthy minds make good decisions. This is why it is important that politicians are also encouraged to seek professional help, while at the same time some should be discouraged from putting pressure on their party members.
Waqar Hassan
Published in The Express Tribune, March 7th, 2018.
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