A person then descends into deep depression or is occasionally overcome with anxiety
GILGIT-BALTISTAN: Multiple studies have indicated that a person’s decision to commit suicide is mostly triggered by extreme frustration, anger, fear or humiliation inflicted by internal mental chaos. Since decades, suicides have been common all over the world and Pakistan is no different.
Recently, Gilgit-Baltistan has witnessed a sudden surge in suicide cases, as reported by the media. Just last month, four young people ended their lives in the Ghizer District of G-B leaving their parents and immediate family members in a state of anguish. The unexpected grief of losing a loved one irreparably damages the mental health of the bereaved family members.
According to different survey reports, domestic violence, constant failure, attaining low grades, drug addiction, and household issues are just some of the many factors that push a person towards committing suicide. However, in real life scenarios, many remain unaware about the root cause. This is because there is no one underlying problem, rather an amalgamation of unresolved issues that have aggravated overtime cause disarray inside a person’s mind. A person then descends into deep depression or is occasionally overcome with anxiety. This is elevated to such an extreme state that a person deems it far more suitable to kill himself rather than live in constant agony. This should not, however, undermine the need for preventive measures.
Educational institutions can play an important role in preventing suicide by arranging awareness programmes and individual counseling sessions for students and parents. Awareness and counseling sessions should be a part of every institution’s academic calendar and should be made mandatory.
Furthermore, the government as well as the social welfare department need to introduce an anti-suicide system whereby a team of qualified professionals work at curbing the rate of suicides across the country.
Finally, suicide is an act of offence under shariah too and considered as an immoral way of dying. Muslim scholars could also discourage this menace in public gatherings and through the mainstream media by citing verses from the Holy Book.
Karim Muhammad Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2020.
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