A man who was released from the forces’ custody a few years ago has committed suicide, the sources said, raising the suicide toll in the past few days to 10.
According to the reports, the suicide victim, identified as Muhim s/o Aasmi was detained by the Pakistani security forces a few years ago. He was kept in custody for a long time, allegedly tortured during incarceration and subsequently released. Sources close to the victim say he was suffering from a variety of psychological issues, like PTSD, depression and ADHD, which were directly linked to the time he spent in the forces’ custody.
It should be noted that the number of suicide cases in Balochistan is rising by leaps and bounds. At least 10 people have committed suicide in different areas of Balochistan in the past two weeks.
Experts argue that the main reason we see this alarmingly growing trend is unemployment, economic strain and family pressures. Most male suicide victims are young and fairly educated, but despite the number of degrees they have, they cannot land safe and secure jobs. This, combined with societal pressures, incentivizes young men to end their lives.
On the other hand, female suicide victims end their lives due to a variety of family pressures, like early marriages or not being allowed to attain higher education. In some cases, women have committed suicide when they could no longer tolerate the separation from their loved ones who were “forcibly disappeared” by the Pakistani security forces.