Chitral’s Silent Storm
Chitral, a place with gigantic mountains, breathtaking views, and a national park where the country’s national animal, the Markhor, is preserved, has become a hotbed of suicide. The literacy rate in this far-flung area of Pakistan is exceptionally high. Every year, myriad students from this place pass competitive exams to serve in various sectors of the country. Due to these qualities and the hospitality of the people, Chitral has been attracting national and international tourists. What makes it more attractive to foreign tourists is the culture of the Kalash community, considered one of the unique cultures due to its extraordinary blend of different events.
While coming to Chitral, one has to cross the Lowari Tunnel, considered one of the longest tunnels in Pakistan. Tourists can’t help feeling gobsmacked when they enter Chitral from this tunnel, which was completed after spending a huge amount of money. In short, with proper attention, this place will be at the top of the list of desired destinations in a few years.
Despite its qualities, beauty, and enthralling structures, the people, especially teenagers, have been facing a serious mental health crisis, often neglected, leading to numerous suicides each year. Academic and domestic pressures, among other factors, contribute to the rising number of suicide cases. The lack of psychiatrists, mental health centers, proper career guidance, and the inability to achieve higher grades in matric and intermediate exams are popular reasons behind people committing suicide.
Many newspapers have presented yearly reports on the increasing rate of suicides in Chitral. According to the editorial section of 2022 of Dawn newspaper, “a total of 176 people in Chitral ended their lives between 2013 and 2019. Out of those who committed suicide, 144 were between 15 and 30 years old, while 58% were young women.” This number has been increasing since then owing to not taking this issue seriously.
The provincial government has not taken any serious steps to halt this serpent that is devouring the young people of this place, where others come to find sustenance and serenity.
Taking this seriously has become the need of the hour because this year also many young girls and boys ended their lives. Proper investigation should be done when someone commits suicide.
Realization sessions must be started in schools and colleges regarding the importance of mental health. Parental meetings should be held monthly, in which parents of the students must be invited to make them conversant with the importance of mental health of their children and avoid putting extra academic pressures on their children for getting higher marks in exams.
It’s the onus of district administration also to take these cases seriously and contemplate providing such an environment in education institutions in which toddlers feel safe and happy while getting education. Local clerics can also play a crucial role in this regard by addressing these issues during their sermons. A local TV channel can also be instrumental to enlighten people about how to handle themselves and how to make the environment of homes friendly so that a good nexus can be built between parents and children.
Addressing this issue has become the need of the hour; otherwise, we will keep on lamenting the lives of loved ones.
