There is a sudden surge in suicides in Gilgit Baltistan and more than 16 suicide cases reported in the past few weeks, while over 222 people took their own life during the past five years.

The exact causes of these suicide cases are not yet known, however, some researchers and experts said that the main cause behind rising cases of suicide was the unnerving pace of social change and mental disorders.

Experts further said that many suicide cases go unreported across GB as many incidents of suicide were wrongly treated as murder or accidents. The GB police, after an investigation found out that many cases actually were of homicide,

 

“19 suicide cases — nine of them males and 10 females — were reported this year, but investigations revealed that four out of the 19 individuals were, in fact, murdered,” said the Senior Superintendent of Police of Ghizer district of Gilgit, Shahmeer Khalid.

Till now non of the case is investigated properly. According to a local social media (a general survey), there are some academic results pressures, exploitation by elders, bullying by some people, financial issues, and social taboos that are core reasons for suicides.

Social Taboos in Gilgit Baltistan

(Speaking on Domestic Violence, Drug abuse, sexual violence, talking about drug addiction, outspokenness, racism, divorce, relationship problems, and the most important is Failure)

Almost of victims are teenagers and all of them are below 30.  

About the latest suicide case

A female student ended her life by jumping into Attabbad Lake at upper Hunza, who was coming back after giving her exams. Allegedly, she took her own life due to exploitation by an examiner at the exam hall.

Governments are responsible for protecting the lives and property of citizens. Precious lives of young people are being lost due to the recent rise in suicides. We appeal to the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to declare a mental health emergency in the area and investigate each and every case and take action against those who have been involved in humiliation and exploitation of the dignity of the victim. 

Apart from that, we appeal to human rights organizations, United Nations Initiatives for mental health, and other NGOs,  to support us in this cause by appealing to the government and engaging communities.

It's requested to everyone please join hands with the Young Activists Movement to save the youth of Gilgit Baltistan from suicide and take action by signing the petition to demand the federal government and Gilgit Baltistan Government declare a suicide emergency and investigate each and every suicide case. 

Regards 

Naveed Murtaza 

Founder YAM-Young Activists Movement