(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(By Nazia Naz, Human Rights Department, Government of Sindh)
The rising number of suicide cases in Tharparkar and Nagarparkar has become a deeply alarming human rights concern, requiring urgent and coordinated action. In response to this pressing issue, the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh for Human Rights, Mr. Rajvir Singh Sodha, together with the Secretary Human Rights Department, Government of Sindh, Mr. Khalid Chachar, organized a comprehensive awareness programme to understand the root causes and mobilize collective efforts for prevention.
This programme represented a major institutional milestone, bringing together senior government officials, academia, think tanks, journalists, professors, media representatives, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, police officials, and the office of the Deputy Commissioner.
A dedicated Suicide Prevention Committee was constituted under the leadership of the Secretary of Human Rights, including Additional Secretary Nazeer Khaskhaili, Section Officer Saeed Sommaro, Research Officer Nazia Naz, Assistant Muhammad Irshad, IRADO CEO Abbas Khoso, and Green Brick Foundation CEO Zahid Tebo. I am honoured to have been nominated as a member of this committee. The committee is actively working with stakeholders to conduct research, engage communities, and develop actionable policy recommendations.
In his keynote address, Mr. Rajvir Singh Sodha expressed profound concern over the crisis, emphasizing that suicide is never only the tragedy of an individual but a devastation affecting entire families and communities. He highlighted the urgent need for empathy, vigilance, and strengthening support mechanisms at the grassroots level. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh, Mr. Veerji Kolhi, provided a deeply informed perspective from his close engagement with the region. He outlined the local factors contributing to suicide and stressed the importance of targeted interventions based on community realities.
The programme also featured a moving testimony from a young individual who had attempted suicide. By openly sharing his experience, he highlighted the emotional struggles faced by youth and offered practical recommendations to prevent similar incidents. The SHO of Nagarparkar presented research and local efforts by police authorities to address the crisis. Speakers from diverse sectors shared their observations and suggestions, contributing to a comprehensive and multi-dimensional discussion on suicide prevention.
Research Officer Nazia Naz presented key findings on socio-economic, psychological, and cultural factors behind the rising trend of suicide in Tharparkar and Nagarparkar. Her analysis underscored the importance of integrated strategies, community support systems, and long-term policy interventions.
At the end of the programme, Mr. Rajvir Singh Sodha personally met with families affected by suicide, listened to their concerns, and assured full support from the Human Rights Department. His empathetic approach reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing this crisis with seriousness and humanity. The event drew hundreds of local participants, who expressed gratitude for this initiative. The programme stands as a significant milestone in Sindh’s collective effort to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen protective mechanisms for vulnerable individuals.
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