In a stark and concerning revelation, Gilgit Baltistan has witnessed a staggering surge in the number of suicides, with a total of 85 individuals taking their own lives since the beginning of 2022. This tragic figure comprises 50 males and 35 females, portraying a grim and often overlooked reality in the region.
The shocking data, brought to light by the Pamir Times, challenges common misconceptions and highlights the distressing fact that more men and boys are succumbing to suicide compared to their female counterparts. It’s crucial to acknowledge that the stigma associated with suicide prevents many cases from being reported in the media. Sometimes, these tragic incidents are even misrepresented as suicides to shield the actual perpetrators.
The surge in suicides in Gilgit Baltistan may be attributed to various complex factors, but at its core lies the deteriorating state of mental health among the region’s residents. It is becoming increasingly apparent that addressing mental health challenges is of utmost importance in this region.
Although the government has taken steps in recent years to prioritize mental health by establishing helplines to provide support and counselling, the efforts may still fall short in the face of the growing crisis. More comprehensive measures and resources are needed to tackle the underlying issues that lead individuals to such extreme and tragic choices. Society must address this pressing concern and work collectively to offer solace, support, and mental health resources to those in need. Only through a concerted effort can the rising tide of suicides be stemmed and the well-being of Gilgit Baltistan’s inhabitants safeguarded.
