GB sees decline in suicide cases

ISLAMABAD: Gilgit-Baltistan province has reported lesser cases of suicides in consecutive three years, reflects official statistics.

A total of 42 cases of suicide were reported during 2023, almost nine percent lesser than year 2022. The year 2021 witnessed 58 cases which were nearly 7 percent lesser than those occurred in 2020.Among those who committed suicide in the past two years, the number of male suicides is higher than that of female. In 2022, 22 females and 23 males committed suicide. In 2023, 25 males and 15 females committed suicide in GB.

However, in view of experts of criminology, the number of suicide cases reported is small if compared to actual number which is never reported.

Nevertheless, Gilgit-Baltistan contributed up to 90 percent of suicide cases across the country in the recent past years.

A total of 74 suicides were reported in Pakistan in 2020, and only two cases emerged in the provinces other than KP and GB. Eighty-five suicides were reported in GB and KP in 2019 out of 89 in the whole country. In 2018, the suicide cases reported in KP and GB were 73.

During the year 2023, a total of 42 cases of suicide surfaced in Gilgit-Baltistan. Out of these, 25 were male and 15 female suicide cases. Most cases occurred in February, June and September 2023 with six suicides happening in each of these months. Whereas, October and November witnessed no such case in GB, reveals the data.

In 2023, from January to mid May, six cases were reported from Gilgit, which were the highest, while from Ghizer, four cases emerged till May 15. One case was reported from district of Hunza, Diamer, Astore and Shigar each. However, no case of suicide emerged from Nagar, Skardu and Kharmong from January till May 15 of 2023.

BBC, in its report on suicides in Gilgit-Baltistan, said according to the HRCP, on an average 20 women attempt suicide each year in only Ghizer district, which makes it highest in Pakistan.

Last year, The News had reported a strategy was devised by the authorities for the prevention of suicide cases.As a prevention strategy, Aga Khan University and Aga Khan Health Services Pakistan put together a team of international experts to respond to the issue. The AKU team visited GB in September 2022 and met key stakeholders. The team members visited field sites to acquire understanding of gaps, challenges and opportunities to address the problem.