THARPARKAR, once known as the land of peacocks, now faces the challenges of widespread stress and suicides. Despite its unmatched beauty and calmness, Thar is experiencing hard times that are eroding its identity, harmony and even humanity. As a native of the land, I remember the time when food may have been scarce, but harmony and humanity were in abun- dance. However, today, while Pakistan itself is changing, I believe Thar is losing its very essence.
One of the alarming issues in Thar is the rising number of suicide cases. In 2022, there were 179 suicide attempts in Tharparkar, Umerkot and adjoining areas of Mirpurkhas, with only 33 cases getting actually registered.
The majority of those who committed suicide were in the productive age group of 21-40 years, with 83 per cent of the cases from the Hindu community.
The underlying factors leading to suicide include poverty, lack of access to basic necessities like food, water, healthcare and education, and a sense of hopelessness and despair. All of us need to ensure that what is happening in the name of economic wellbeing and industrialisation of the area should not cause suicidal ideation.
People living hand-to-mouth are losing hope and attempting suicide due to poverty and discrimination. By valuing diversity and promoting equality, we can create a society where everyone feels valued and can contribute to building a society where humanity may have a chance to rule.
To prevent suicides, it is essential to address the underlying factors and provide support and resources to the poor communities. This includes increasing access to mental health services, addressing discrimination and poverty, and promoting awareness and education about suicide prevention.
Generally, it is witnessed that the poor communities often have limited access to mental health services, social support systems, and crisis intervention resources, making them vulnerable to suicide.
Outlets established for justice should make themselves easily accessible to these communities that face discrimi-nation regularly. Public-private partner- ships should be promoted to design social safety nets and work jointly for the wellbeing of these communities. Civil society should promote the richness of culture and the environment and not just regularly remind people of economic poverty, which can create dreams with no level playing field.
Thar, the land of peace, needs immediate attention to prevent further suicides by addressing the underlying factors. The richness of culture and environment must be promoted, and economic wellbeing of the few must not come at the cost of human lives. It is just not worth it, or is it?
Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo
Hyderabad
Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2023