Gilgit-Baltistan

• The total population of Gilgit-baltistan is 8863799.

• the total area is 72520sqkm.
• 10 Districts
 The suicide crisis in Gilgit Baltistan

1. Gilgit Baltistan has become epicenter of suicides.

2. A sudden surge has been witnessed in suicidal cases.

Stakeholders and Government bodies

1. Public health sector

2. NGOs
3. Public
4. Civil Society
5. Educational and religious institution 
Policies by the Government

 Suicide hotlines are to be made.

 Student psychological counselling and guiding sessions.
 Teachers are to be triained for mental health education.
 Resolution is passed iin Disrtrict Ghizer, declaring Mental Health
Emergency in the region.
 creating teams,comprising of mental health officials and
paramedical staff to find root causes
Relevant Statistics

 Gilgit-Baltistan contributes up to 90% of suicidal cases of Pakistan.

 In the past 6 months 15 suicidal cases were reported.
 District Ghizer has the highest rate of suicides, i.e. 3 cases per month in average.
 Females have highest rate of suicides.
contd.

rising suicide cases in Gilgit Baltistan

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

0 10 20 30 40 50 60
suicide cases in GB Series2
Women Suicidal Rates

women suicides

6% 3%

married
18% single
engaged
widowed

73%
Relevant Legal Provision

• Islamic laws 
• Pakistan Penal code 325 of the Criminal Procurement Act
• Imprisonment or penalty of Rs. 10,000
• In case of psychiatric disorder patient is accessed to treatment,
rather than penalized.
Causes of attempting suicide

 When it comes to determine what causes suicide, there are several reasons why a
person would want to take his life.

 However, a few leading causes account for a majority of suicide each year.
Mental health issues

 Severe depression:
The most common cause of suicide is depression; a sense of suffering
and hopelessness about escaping the pain, making them unable to see another way to
relieve the pain other than ending their own life.

 Bipolar disorder:
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes changes in a person's mood,
energy, and ability to function. Bipolar disorder can disrupt a person’s relationships with
loved ones and cause difficulty in working.
• Traumatic Stress

 A person who has had a traumatic experience, including childhood sexual abuse, rape,
physical abuse, or war trauma, is at a greater risk for suicide, even many years after the
trauma.
 Loss or Fear of Loss
 Academic failure
 Being arrested or imprisoned
 End of a close friendship or romantic relationship
 Job loss
 Loss of social status
Chronic Pain and Illness

 If a person has chronic pain or illness with no hope of a cure or reprieve from suffering,
suicide may seem like a way to regain dignity and control of their life. In some states,
assisted suicide is legal for this very reason.
 Asthma
 Back pain
 Brain injury
 Cancer
Financial difficulties

 Financial Stress Is a Leading Catalyst for Suicide.

 Research shows money stress can make people up to 20 times more likely to
make a suicide attempt.
 "Financial stress is a significant risk factor for suicide, particularly among people
who are tasked with the role of 'provider' or those who are responsible for
preserving the lifestyle of those who depend upon them
Pre-emptive measures

 Mostly suicide is done due to other reasons

support vulnerable families financially

parental counciling (domestic problems)

support groups for chronic diseases

societal acceptability (queerness)

After

 Acceptability

 Honor her\his courage

 Regular visits to therapist

 Removing taboo

 Amending 325
During

 Diagnosis

 Close monitor

 Keep away from harm inflicting objects

 Proper therapy
Creative Solutions

 As a Public Administrator we can

 spread awareness regarding mental health

 set up suicide prevention hotlines

 police should view the surviour as a hero, not as a culprit.

 more friendly spaces for prospective suiciders

References

 https://pamirtimes.net/2022/05/18/suicides-in-the-hills-of-northern-pakistan/
 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/963030-strategy-devised-to-stop-suicides-in-gilgit-
baltistan
 https://tribune.com.pk/story/2362324/measures-to-stop-increasing-cases-of-suicides-in-g-
b-demanded
 https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/gilgit-baltistan/item/113627-alarming-spike-in-suicide-
cases-baffles-gilgit-baltistan.html