THE brutal murder of Sindhi poet Dr Akash Ansari is a moment of grief and shock. More than that, it is an alarming indication of our collective negligence towards mental health issues. In our patriarchal society, where the father and elders hold absolute authority, mental health conditions are often misunderstood, and met with force rather than care.

Instead of providing proper psycho-logical support and treatment, families often resort to criticism, punishment and coercion, which only worsens the condition of those suffering from various disorders.

A person with such a condition does not conform to societal norms. When forced, there is a reaction marked by defiance and aggression. If left untreated, such disorders can evolve into criminal behaviours, as we may have witnessed in the tragic case of the murdered poet, whose own son allegedly subjected him to horrific torture before killing him.

No sane individual with a balanced mind could commit such an atrocity against their own loved ones, highlighting the strong possibility of an underlying severe psychiatric disorder.

Our society must realise that mental health disorders are medical conditions, not moral failings. If we continue to ignore them, we will lose more brilliant minds.

It is time for the community to break the stigma surrounding mental health, encourage early diagnosis, and provide proper psychiatric care and counselling.

Only through awareness, acceptance and timely intervention can we prevent such tragedies and ensure a safer and healthier future for our society at large.

Dr Muhammad Mataro Hingorjo
Limerick, Ireland

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2025