Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, faces a concerning rise in self-harm and suicide, exacerbated by socioeconomic challenges, political instability and events such as climate change and recent suicide bombings. Despite the alarming suicide mortality rate, it remains a neglected public health issue. This perspective paper highlights the need for a comprehensive approach, including suicide prevention initiatives, community-based mental health services, education and research. We also suggest establishing a suicide prevention task force, inclusion of life skills and mental health education in school and undergraduate curricula, conducting research into self-harm, and fostering empathetic media reporting. Additionally, suggestions for sustainable economic change include job creation, development of marketable skills and interest-free microfinance initiatives to empower the community economically
It is crucial for organisations working for flood-victims to prioritise access to mental health services and counselling for those affected by the disaster, in order to prevent further deterioration of their mental wellbeing.
BALOCHISTAN: Owing to numerous interlinked reasons such as unemployment, financial crisis, depression, family problems, and many others, the numbers of suicide cases are surging in Balochistan. Despite being the richest province in mineral resources in Pakistan and by area as well, unfortunately, it always lags behind when it comes to the basic needs for people, particularly when compared to other provinces of the country.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, faces a concerning rise in self-harm and suicide, exacerbated by socioeconomic challenges, political instability and events such as climate change and recent suicide bombings. Despite the alarming suicide mortality rate, it remains a neglected public health issue. This perspective paper highlights the need for a comprehensive approach, including suicide prevention initiatives, community-based mental health services, education and research. We also suggest establishing a suicide prevention task force, inclusion of life skills and mental health education in school and undergraduate curricula, conducting research into self-harm, and fostering empathetic media reporting. Additionally, suggestions for sustainable economic change include job creation, development of marketable skills and interest-free microfinance initiatives to empower the community economically.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, rampant human rights abuses and ongoing political dysfunction in Balochistan on Friday. The commission highlighted a continued pattern of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, citing an alarming lack of government action in holding the perpetrators accountable.
Pakistani authorities should exercise restraint in responding to demonstrations in Balochistan province, release all detained for peaceful protest, and restore internet access, Human Rights Watch said today. Since July 28, 2024, Pakistani authorities have detained hundreds of people in response to the Baloch National Gathering, a march seeking to raise awareness of human rights concerns in Balochistan. Some protesters reportedly attacked security forces, killing one soldier and injuring others. Baloch activists have alleged that government security forces have used excessive force to prevent protesters from reaching the port city of Gwadar, the end point of the march. Government authorities have imposed an internet shutdown on Gwadar.
A comprehensive mapping of availability of essential services and barriers to their provision. This Baseline Report aims to provide an overview of availability of non-communicable and mental health services.
Enforced disappearances targeting students, activists, journalists and human rights defenders continue relentlessly in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan. People are wrenched away from their loved ones by state officials or others acting on their behalf, placing them outside the protection of the law. The authorities then deny the person is in their custody or refuse to say where they are. Families of the disappeared are plunged into a state of anguish, trying to keep the flame of hope alive while fearing the worst. Many have been in this limbo for years.
Baloch National Movement’s human rights department, Paank, released a report highlighting the alarming rise in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. Despite protests, there has been no discernible change. The Pakistan Army’s military aggression disproportionately impacts civilians, violating the rules of war and human rights.
Situation reports are the main reporting tool to monitor UNICEF’s humanitarian response. They provide an update on the situation and needs of children in a country or region, as well as information on UNICEF’s response and funding requirements.
Offers day-to-day information about the situation in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh provinces, and the surrounding areas. Says something about the situation and the coming risk. PDF of the full report here.
The HumanitarianResponse.info platform is provided to the humanitarian community by OCHA as a means to help responders coordinate their work on the ground. Here you will find updated information on Pakistan.
This report analyzes States obligations under international law to ensure acts of enforced disappearance constitute a distinct, autonomous offence under national law. It also provides an overview of the practice of enforced disappearance, focusing specifically on the status of the criminalization of the practice, in five South Asian countries: India,Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Addressing GBV requires coordinated, inter-agency, and multi-sectoral strategies that aim for prevention through policy reform and implementation of protective mechanisms and building the capacity of health, social welfare, legal and security systems to recognize, monitor, and respond to GBV; in addition to ensure rapid and respectful services to survivors (34 pages, .pdf. for historical reference).
SACH -struggle for change is one of the few organizations in Pakistan, which is presently working on the issue of Torture and Human Rights Abuses. SACH has a team of professional and experienced staff, which includes health and social workers and professionals working for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the violence survivors.
Report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Pakistan – prepared for the Committee on the Rights of the Child 34th session Geneva, September 2003