Suicidal Behaviours in Pakistan

Suicide and self-harm are significant public health problems in Pakistan, an Islamic South Asian country, where, until recently, both were criminalized acts. Both are under-studied and under researched, though in recent years there have been a growing number of studies from different parts of the country. There are no national level statistics as suicidal acts are not part of the government’s annual national health statistics. However, on available evidence it appears incidences of both suicide and self-harm may have increased in recent years. Suicide and self-harm appear to be carried out by young people, with young single males and young married females at high risk. Hanging, pesticide ingestion and use of firearms are the most common means of suicide. Most studies on suicidal behaviours from Pakistan are basic, retrospective case-series and by non-mental health professionals with an understandable lack of focus on the role of psychiatric illnesses in suicidal behaviours. The country lacks a national suicide prevention strategy. There is need for more high-quality research studies to inform policy and suicide prevention initiatives. There is also urgent need for a national suicide prevention strategy.