UMERKOT: Speakers at a programme held to mark World Mental Health Day on Saturday urged the Sindh government to immediately appoint a psychiatrist in Umerkot district, prioritise the area for suicide-prevention services and formulate a comprehensive, district-specific action plan to address growing mental health challenges.

The demands were made at a dialogue titled ‘Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Umerkot: From Evidence to Action’, organised by the Association for Water, Applied Education and Renewable Energy (Aware) here.

The event brought together mental health professionals, researchers, government representatives, journalists, students, young people and civil society activists to discuss the increasing number of reported suicide cases, underlying socioeconomic pressures and gaps in mental healthcare.

Participants expressed serious concern over the absence of a psychiatrist in Umerkot district, despite the growing need for specialised mental health services.

World Mental Health Day event discusses increasing number of reported suicide cases amid growing mental health challenges

They demanded the immediate appointment or deployment of a qualified psychiatrist, along with accessible counselling, treatment and referral facilities at district level as per WHO standards.

They also called upon the Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services (SIEHS-1122) to include Umerkot among its high-priority districts for suicide-prevention interventions, particularly by strengthening crisis support, mental health referrals and access to assistance through the Tele-Tabeeb 1123 service.

Referring to Sindh police records, speakers said Umerkot had emerged as one of the districts facing a particularly serious suicide burden. According to the figures presented, 66 suicide deaths were recorded in Umerkot between January and August this year, compared with 100 in Tharparkar and 61 in Mirpurkhas.

When adjusted against the districts’ populations recorded in the 2023 census, Umerkot had approximately 5.7 recorded suicide deaths per 100,000 residents during the eight-month period, marginally higher than Tharparkar’s 5.6 and Mirpurkhas’s 3.6.

Speakers said the comparison highlighted the urgency of prioritising Umerkot in provincial mental health planning.

The figures represent recorded deaths over eight months and are not annual suicide rates.

Presiding over the event, Moiz Hussain Thebo, deputy director of the Sindh Human Rights Department for Mirpurkhas Division, said his department had already taken notice of the increasing number of suicide cases in the division.

He observed that the presentations and discussions had brought several other mental health concerns to light, requiring the attention of relevant government institutions.

Mr Thebo assured participants that the issues highlighted at the gathering would be communicated in writing to the departments concerned for consideration and necessary action.

He urged civil society organisations to raise awareness about psychological abuse and mental torture, saying their consequences could be as damaging as those of physical torture.

The official also drew attention to indebtedness among tenant farmers and economically disadvantaged households, describing debt-related pressures as an important but often overlooked factor contributing to psychological distress and vulnerability.

He stressed that mental health challenges needed to be addressed alongside the social and economic difficulties faced by marginalised communities.

Dr Lakesh Kumar Khatri, a psychiatrist, shared his clinical experience of treating patients from Umerkot and Mirpurkhas. He discussed common mental health conditions, barriers to treatment and the stigma that often discourages individuals and families from seeking professional assistance.

He emphasised the importance of timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and improved public understanding of psychiatric illnesses.

Dr Abdul Razzaq Nohri, a researcher nominated by the Sindh Mental Health Authority (SMHA), presented alarming findings on suicide cases in Sindh, identifying Tharparkar and Umerkot among the districts requiring urgent, targeted intervention.

According to the report, Sindh recorded 767 registered suicide cases between 2016 and 2020, including 79 in Tharparkar and 64 in Umerkot. The findings revealed that mental illness was the leading recorded factor in Tharparkar, accounting for 44.3pc of cases, while domestic issues accounted for 82.8pc of cases in Umerkot.

Presenting findings from psychological autopsies of registered suicide cases in Tharparkar and a community survey on mental health knowledge and attitudes, Dr Nohri highlighted the vulnerability of young people, widespread misconceptions about mental illness and limited access to professional care.

He stressed the need for systematic research, accessible mental health services and evidence-based, district-specific suicide prevention measures.

Shewa Ram Suthar discussed the social dimensions of suicide among young people, drawing attention to psychological pressures, digital blackmailing, exploitation and other challenges that may leave vulnerable individuals without adequate support.

He stressed the need for greater awareness among young people, parents, educational institutions and communities, alongside appropriate institutional responses to harassment and exploitation.

Ashok Kumar Malhi, a yoga expert, highlighted the importance of yoga, physical activity, relaxation and healthy lifestyles in promoting mental well-being, managing stress and improving overall quality of life.

Nirjis Batool spoke about the importance of supporting individuals facing personal setbacks, relationship breakdowns, divorce and other difficult circumstances. She encouraged families and communities to replace stigma and judgement with understanding, compassion and timely support.

Representing Rescue 1122, Bansi Lal Malhi said suicide was a complex issue involving social, economic and psychological factors. He drew attention to the difficult circumstances faced by agricultural labourers, particularly members of marginalised Hindu communities.

He estimated that around 80pc of agricultural labourers belonged to Hindu communities and said many faced poverty, financial insecurity, limited resources and inadequate support systems.

He observed that severe economic pressures, combined with insufficient assistance and coping resources, could contribute to psychological distress. He called for stronger community-based support, counselling and preventive services.

Dr Nawaz Shahani, Mushtaque Kunbhar and Ghulam Mustafa Khoso expressed concern over the increasing number of suicide cases in Umerkot.

They said the government and civil society must share responsibility for addressing the problem through awareness campaigns, improved services, early intervention and sustained support for vulnerable communities.

A panel discussion featuring Dr Roobi Dharmdas, Haji Sand, Aneel Kumar and Loono Mal examined gaps in mental health awareness, available services, research and institutional coordination.

Participants called for greater engagement among healthcare professionals, government departments, researchers, educational institutions, community leaders and civil society organisations.

The programme also featured a theatre performance titled Break the Silence, Stand with Life by the Shiva Mandli Theatre Group, highlighting the consequences of social stigma and silence surrounding mental health problems.

The gathering began with a traditional Wai of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, performed by Sughar Juman Sand.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2026