May 21, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 15, 1429

LARKANA, May 20: Unemployment, illiteracy, injustice, peer pressure, inequality and sense of deprivation give rise to suicidal tendencies among our youth, opined speakers of a seminar titled ‘Suicide: causes and prevention’ on Monday. The Department of Psychiatry of Chandka Medical College (CMC) Larkana had hosted the seminar with Ms Faryal Talpur as chief guest.

A four-year study has depicted rising suicidal tendencies in both males and females in Sindh which the speakers linked to inhuman behavior of ‘Jagirdari’ system. They suggested the youth to stay away from isolation and pessimism rather gain courage and strength from positive attitude.

Ms Faryal Talpur blamed undemocratic governments of fuelling the fire by not giving weight to this topic. She alleged psychological disorders of not being tackled accordingly which was making things difficult for youngsters.

She laid stress on educating children while advocating their right to choose career of their choice. She laid emphasis on creating awareness, holding seminars in remote areas and establishing rehabilitation centers for drug users.

Principal of Chandka Medical College Prof Sikandar Ali Shaikh, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Dow Medical University, Prof Zia-ur Rehman, Head of Sociology Department, University of Karachi, Dr Fateh Barfat and Head of Psychiatry Department, CMCH, Dr Badar Junejo also spoke.

Earlier, Ms Faryal Talpur inaugurated the Gynecology and Obstetrics Ward at Shaikh Zaid Women Hospital Larkana. She also visited various section of the ward and enquired about the health of patients.