Suicide rates in Pakistan rising, warns expert

Islamabad:As the World Suicide Prevention Day was marked on Tuesday, Professor Rizwan Taj, chairperson of the Psychiatry Department at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, called for greater public awareness and promotion of preventive measures against suicides amid rising incidence in the country.

He said the day's aim was to reduce stigma surrounding suicide and increase awareness through local and national campaigns. “We all have a role to play in saving lives. With the Suicide Prevention Day's theme of "Change the Narrative on Suicide," we are encouraged to dismantle stigma, increase awareness, and show compassion to those who may be struggling. It is our day to unite and prioritise mental health as a public health issue.

To change the perception of suicide, every individual, communities, organisations, and governments must play a significant role,” he told reporters here. Professor Taj said suicide rates in Pakistan had been on the rise, with a 40 per cent of cases involving burns as the method of suicide.

He said rural areas in Pakistan had reported 12 per cent of suicidal ideation, with individuals expressing thoughts of self-harm. "Between 2019 and 2020, 2,295 suicides were reported in Pakistan, with a majority (61.87%) being carried out by men. In 2011, suicides totalled 108," he said.

The expert said not only mental health professionals but all stakeholders needed to realise that suicide needed to be at the top of their public health priority list. "Everyone should acknowledge that suicide is a serious issue. Since the World Health Organisation has chosen to support this celebration, suicide is likely a widespread problem that affects everyone. This day also marks the dedication to prevent suicide and, at the very least, the global awareness-raising of the scope and stigma of this immense suffering," he said.

Professor Taj urged people to promote hope and positivity and work towards a world where suicide is no longer a prevalent issue. "Together, we can change the narrative and save lives," he said.