Under pressure

This refers to the letters published under the heading ‘Fighting depression’ (February 11) by Muhammad Luqman Kakar and Kashif Hussain. The writers have correctly identified the few factors which, in their opinion, could have acted as a trigger, leading the student towards the irreversible step of committing suicide. The excessive stress of studies, the expectations of parents, and a lack of trained psychological counsellors who can help students cope with their stress are some of the factors that lead to such tragedies. Our educational institutions and the authorities governing them should not be absolved of this state of affairs. The educational system especially the examination system needs to be thoroughly restructured, where a student’s career should not depend only on his memorising skills, but on his performance through a period of time.

Akbar Jan Marwat

Islamabad