Suicide surge shocks the city

Lahore has witnessed an alarming rise in suicide cases this year, with 27 individuals taking their own lives due to personal struggles, domestic disputes, financial hardships, and mental health issues. The Edhi Foundation confirmed that the victims include 19 men and eight women from various localities across the city. The most recent incident occurred on March 12, when a 40-year-old police constable, Muhammad Hussnain, ended his life by shooting himself with his official firearm. His death has reignited concerns over the immense psychological pressure faced by law enforcement personnel, adding to broader discussions about workplace stress and mental health awareness. The rising trend of suicides began in early January, with cases reported from different neighbourhoods, including Shahdara, Shadbagh, Samanabad, and Garden Town. One of the first reported incidents was on January 3, when a 35-year-old woman, Ayesha, was found hanging in Shahdara. Just days later, on January 11, 50-year-old Shamsu Beebi leapt from the upper floor of her house in Shafiqabad, and on January 12, 30-year-old Bilal died by suicide in Maraj Park after shooting himself in the head. The pattern continued in February, with increasing reports of individuals taking their own lives. On February 26, two tragic incidents were reported—29-year-old Junaid died by hanging, while 19-year-old Saadia ingested poison. The crisis extended into March, with another case on March 12, when 25-year-old Shahbaz reportedly took his own life in Dogar Market. Mental health professionals and social welfare organisations have raised concerns over this troubling surge in suicides, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible psychological support and community awareness programs. A spokesperson for the Edhi Foundation highlighted the role of unresolved emotional distress, financial pressures, and deteriorating social support systems in contributing to these tragic deaths. "Many of these individuals struggled with unaddressed mental health issues, which could have been prevented with proper counselling and intervention," the spokesperson stated. Experts are urging the government to take immediate action by implementing suicide prevention initiatives, improving mental health facilities, and addressing the stigma surrounding psychological disorders in Pakistan. There is also a growing call for increased public awareness campaigns, particularly targeting youth and vulnerable populations, to educate them about available mental health resources. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the decomposed body of an unidentified man was discovered in the BRB Canal in Batapur on Monday. According to the Edhi Foundation, the deceased, believed to be around 35 years old, appeared to have been in the water for several days. Authorities were alerted, and police shifted the body to a morgue for post-mortem examination. Investigators are working to determine whether the case was a suicide or an act of foul play. Officials have urged citizens to report any missing persons matching the description of the deceased to assist in identification efforts. Forensic teams are currently analysing the body and other evidence, with officials stating that more details will be shared once the autopsy report is available. As Lahore grapples with this rising suicide crisis, experts stress the urgent need for proactive intervention to address the root causes of mental distress.

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