12 commit suicide in Okara in a month

The over 100-day lockdown continues across the province and has led to an increase in the economic hardships of the middle class, contributing to a dramatic increase in the number of suicide cases.

As many as 12 cases of suicide have been reported at various places in the district during the lockdown, The Express Tribune has learnt.

According to doctors treating mental health issues, people facing economic hardships have a higher suicide rate. Among those who committed suicide during the lockdown were several women.

In June alone, 10 people ended their lives reportedly due to the economic conditions they were experiencing.

A youth named Ahmed, son of Ramzan and a resident of Chak Dogran, ended his life by jumping into a canal out of frustration with his domestic situation.

In addition to this, Shaheen Bibi, wife of Safdar and resident of Chak No11R, was fed up with her domestic situation. As a result, the deranged victim set herself on fire and ending her life.

Separately, Mureed Abbas, a resident of Depalpur, Khalilabad Colony, ended his life due to economic hardship.

Moreover, in Basirpur area, a young man named Waqas ended his life by consuming poison along with his wife and brother as he could not repay debt due to financial constraints.

Furthermore, Ahmed, son of Kaka and a resident of Mohalla Dars, ended his life by consuming poisonous pills as he was fed up with domestic disputes.

Musarrat Bibi, a resident of Okara’s 532L area, ended her life by consuming poisonous drugs.

A psychologist, Dr Zubair, while speaking on the rising trend of suicides in the province, said that the deteriorating economic situation and lack of resources due to the Covid-19 related lockdown were the reason for the increase in the number of suicides.

In this regard, Okara’s District Police Officer (DPO) Omar Saeed Malik confirmed that an increase in the suicide rate had been witnessed during the lockdown.

He added that the police reached the spot as soon as they came to know about all the incidents of suicide.

All the incidents of suicide involved economic distress and unemployment, the DPO further said. “Police handed over the bodies of those who died in all the suicide incidents to their heirs after necessary action.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2020.