Bahawalpur experiences alarming rise in suicides

Authorities have failed to restrict sale of black stone which is used in most cases

BAHAWALPUR: The number of suicides in Bahawalpur has increased by an alarming level due to the rise in financial, social and domestic problems. The most number of suicides occurred after the victims consumed poisonous black stone, The Express Tribune has learnt.

According to details, women committed suicides in large numbers over different issues, including free will marriage, divorce, financial difficulties, sexual assault and kidnapping.

A report issued by Bahawal Victoria Hospital revealed that in 2016, 703 women ended their lives over different matters. Of the total, 150 committed suicide after consuming black stone. In 2017, of the 1,243 women who committed suicide, 156 used black stone as did 34 out of the 446 in 2018. Black stone is being sold openly in shops across Bahawalpur and the district administration has done little to restrict its sale.

Besides, poisonous pills, which are being used to protect wheat from rodents, have also become a major tool in committing suicide in rural areas. The statistics collected by The Express Tribune scribe disclosed that in 2017, 87 suicide and attempted suicide cases were reported in which the victims consumed such poisonous pills. Of them, 39 lost their lives. During the current year, at least 69 cases of such a nature have been reported so far, while 24 people lost their lives.

Official records revealed that other poisonous materials are also used in committing suicides. In 2017, 931 people attempted suicide by consuming other poisonous substances and of them 50 lost their lives.

During the first ten months of the current year, at least 605 cases have been reported and of them, 27 have lost their lives.

However, sources revealed that the number of casualties, as a result of poisonous substances, is far more than official figures.

While commenting on the situation, Advocate Sumaira said that women commit suicide out of frustration or financial difficulties. “In most cases, they are denied justice due to the flaws in our system,” she added.

“There is a need to resolve women’s problems on the government level, while awareness seminars should also be conducted on the subject.”

Parks and Horticulture Authority Bahawalpur Chairperson Shehla Ehsan said “We have to stop the increasing trend of suicides among women. We have to protect the rights of our women and it is the only way we can avoid the occurrence of such incidents.”

Social Worker Rabia Malik said that there is a need to implement laws created to protect women. “Poor and deserving women should be provided monthly aid packages by the Punjab government and programmes like the Benazir Income Support Programme. Funds from Baitul Maal and Zakat could help a great deal in addressing their financial problems,” she highlighted.

PTI local leader Nausheen Qureshi said that majority of women commit suicide due to injustice and the violation of their rights. She added that laws have been created for women’s protection, but they are not implemented. She added this is what compelled women to take matters to the extreme.

“The government should formulate a comprehensive policy to provide protection to women.”