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Thar is losing its essence!

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Thar is losing its essence!
Over 2 dozen illegal mining factories found operating in Tharparkar- Sindh Courier- File Photo

The richness of culture and environment must be promoted, and ‘economic well-being must not come at the cost of human lives.

Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo

Tharparkar, once known as the land of pure & Peacocks, is now facing the challenges of stress, alienation, and suicides. Despite its unmatchable beauty and calmness, Thar is experiencing hard times that are eroding its identity, harmony, and humanity. As a native of the land, I remember a time when food may have been scarce, but harmony and humanity were abundant. However, today, as said while Pakistan is changing, I believe Thar is losing its essence.

One of the alarming issues in Thar is the rising number of suicide cases. In 2022, there were 179 suicide attempts in Tharparkar, Umerkot, and adjoining areas of Mirpurkhas, with only 33 cases registered. The majority of those who committed suicide were in the productive age group of 21-40 years, with 83% of the cases from the Hindu community. The underlying factors leading to suicide include poverty, lack of access to basic necessities like food, water, healthcare, and education, and a sense of hopelessness and despair. All of us need to ensure that the economic well-being and industrialization of the area must not the cause of suicidal behavior.

One of the alarming issues in Thar is the rising number of suicide cases. In 2022, there were 179 suicide attempts in Tharparkar, Umerkot, and adjoining areas of Mirpurkhas, with only 33 cases registered

People living hand-to-mouth are at risk of losing hope and attempting suicide due to poverty, lack of access to basic necessities, and discrimination. By valuing diversity and promoting equality, we can create a society where everyone feels valued and can contribute to building a society where humanity rules. To prevent suicides, it is essential to address the underlying factors and provide support and resources to low-caste and poor communities. This includes increasing access to mental health services, addressing discrimination and poverty, and promoting awareness and education about suicide prevention. Generally, it is witnessed that low-caste and poor communities often have limited access to mental health services, social support systems, and crisis intervention resources, making them vulnerable to suicide.

Outlets established for justice should make themselves easily accessible to these communities that face discrimination regularly. Public-private partnerships should be promoted to design social safety nets and work jointly for the well-being of these communities. Civil society should promote the richness of culture and the environment and not just regularly remind people of economic poverty, which can create dreams with no level playing field.

Thar, the land of peace, needs immediate attention to prevent further suicides and to address the underlying factors. Public-private partnerships, access to mental health services, social support systems, and awareness and education about suicide prevention are necessary steps in addressing the situation in Thar. The richness of culture and environment must be promoted, and economic well-being must not come at the cost of human lives.

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Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo is Community Development Professional based in Hyderabad

 

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