Suicide becomes the fourth leading cause of death among Pakistani youth

Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL) has introduced strategies to control the rising rate of suicide.

In Pakistan, where 60% of the population is under 30 years of age, suicide has become the fourth leading cause of death.

Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL) CEO and psychiatrist Dr Nasim Chaudhry, stated that according to global statistics, around 700,000 people die by suicide annually, and in Pakistan, suicide is now the fourth leading cause of death.

She further added that several measures are being taken by PILL to prevent this alarming trend, including the reporting of suicide cases and efforts to gather data.

According to Express News, PILL has introduced strategies to control the rising rate of suicide. Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho also attended the event.

Dr. Azra, while addressing a seminar in Karachi, expressed concern over the easy availability of harmful substances such as germicides and rat poisons, which are often used in these tragic incidents.

The minister highlighted that countries like the United States have stringent regulations on medical prescriptions, suggesting that similar measures could benefit Pakistan.

Despite the alarming rise in suicide cases, she also noted that many incidents remain underreported across the country.

The Sindh Health Minister emphasized the need to work at the societal level and address the shortage of mental health professionals.

She stated that Lady Health Workers have been trained in depression and suicide prevention to play an effective role.

She also stressed the importance of providing specialized rehabilitation facilities for cancer, burn, and heart patients in major hospitals and addressing issues like sexual violence and the rising use of drugs, which are also contributing factors to suicide.