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uicide is a profound and multifaceted tragedy that transcends personal sorrow, exposing deeper societal fractures. It is not merely an individual act but the culmination of unbearable societal pressures, personal crises and systemic failures. According to the World Health Organisation), more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, making it one of the leading causes of death globally, particularly among people aged 15-29 years.
In Pakistan, lack of comprehensive data obscures the growing reality of suicide as a public health issue. Estimates suggest a rate of nine per 100,000 people. Factors such as domestic conflicts, financial hardship, academic pressures and mental health struggles are prevalent. These might be exacerbated by societal stigma and inadequate support systems.
A recent tragedy at Islamia College, Peshawar, underscores this crisis. Ziauddin Niaz, a seventh-semester law student, ended his life, leaving behind a note to his father expressing his disillusionment with the society. He wrote, “I am fed up with the world... I don’t know why, but I can’t live in this society.” His words poignantly highlight the suffocating societal pressures that lead individuals to such irreversible decisions. This incident, while deeply personal, is emblematic of broad systemic issues that need urgent attention.
Sociologically, suicide has been studied through various frameworks, notably by Émile Durkheim, who classified it into types based on societal influence. Fatalistic suicide, relevant in this context, arises when individuals feel excessively constrained by societal structures, leading to feelings of hopelessness, entrapment and alienation. Ziauddin’s despair, as expressed in his final words, reveals the overwhelming burden of societal expectations—academic, familial and social—that can drive individuals to such extremes. When a person feels trapped by the rigid demands of the society, be it in education, family or social life, they may experience a sense of fatalism that strips away their agency and leads to a tragic end.
In Pakistan, the prevalence of domestic conflicts accounts for 70.7 per cent of suicides. Financial and relationship pressures create a fertile ground for mental distress. These pressures are compounded by the societal stigma surrounding mental health, which isolates individuals and discourages them from seeking help. According to C Wright Mills’ concept of the sociological imagination, personal troubles often reflect broader societal issues. Ziauddin’s suicide, therefore, is not merely an individual act but a symptom of systemic societal failure. Erving Goffman’s analysis of stigma explains how societal judgments can alienate individuals, exacerbating their sense of isolation. The rigid expectations and lack of emotional support push individuals like Ziauddin into a state of profound hopelessness.
Cultural norms in Pakistan often view mental health struggles as shameful. This leads individuals to internalise their pain rather than seek support. This cultural context plays a crucial role in perpetuating the cycle of despair. As Goffman suggests, the stigma surrounding mental illness can lead individuals to internalise societal judgment. This isolates them further and makes it even more difficult to ask for help. The lack of institutional support, coupled with pervasive cultural taboos, makes it incredibly challenging for individuals facing mental health challenges to break free from their emotional isolation.
Addressing suicide in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach, combining policy reform, institutional support and cultural change.
Addressing suicide in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach, combining policy reform, institutional support and cultural change. Educational institutions must prioritise mental health, providing accessible counselling services and fostering supportive environments free from stigma. University students, in particular, face intense academic pressures and the challenge of balancing family expectations with personal goals. Mental health services must be accessible, confidential and inclusive. They should allow students to seek help without fear of judgment or societal backlash. Counselling should be integrated into the curriculum, normalising discussions about mental health and creating safe spaces for students to express their concerns.
Additionally, there must be a cultural shift in attitudes towards mental health. Mental health conversations should not be taboo. Emotional well-being should be recognised as an essential part of overall health. The stigma surrounding mental health must be dismantled. Seeking help should be seen as an act of strength, not weakness. This can be achieved through media campaigns, educational programmes and support groups that promote mental health awareness and break the silence that surrounds it.
Religious leaders can play a pivotal role in this societal shift. By emphasising the sanctity of life and promoting mental health awareness, they can challenge the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness. Islam, like many other religions, places great emphasis on the preservation of life. Religious leaders can help guide their communities towards more compassionate attitudes. By addressing suicide as a serious issue, religious leaders can foster an environment where individuals feel encouraged to seek help, knowing that they will be supported, not stigmatised.
Families are central to suicide prevention. Open communication, emotional support and vigilance for warning signs are crucial. Families need to recognise when a loved one is in distress and take proactive steps to offer help. The silence surrounding mental health issues often leaves individuals isolated, feeling that they are bearing their burdens alone. Fostering a nurturing, supportive family environment, significantly increases the chances of an early intervention. Families should be educated about the signs of mental health struggles and be encouraged to reach out to professional help when needed.
Policymakers must address underlying socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment and inadequate healthcare that compound the despair felt by many. The economic challenges faced by millions in Pakistan create a sense of hopelessness that can be exacerbated by limited access to healthcare and social services. Addressing these issues will help create a more supportive environment for individuals who may feel trapped by their circumstances.
Ziauddin’s tragedy is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a society that fails its most vulnerable members. His final words are a sombre reminder of the need to confront the toxic elements in our society that breed isolation, judgment and despair. To prevent future tragedies, we must foster a compassionate, open and supportive environment, ensuring that no one feels so trapped that suicide appears to be their only escape.
The writer is a researcher and a columnist based in Islamabad. He can be reached at zakiir9669gmail.com