MINGORA: The human rights and social activists have shown concerns over increase in cases of suicide in the district and termed it a major social problem.

According to the data provided by police, more than 350 suicide cases were reported in the seven districts of Malakand division. However, number of suicide cases in Swat is higher than that of the other districts.

The data revealed that from January to August 2018, a total of 222 suicide cases were reported in Swat while 73 cases were registered in Buner, 26 in Shangla, nine in Chitral, 15 in Dir Lower and one case was reported in Dir Upper.

Two suicide cases were reported in September and four cases were reported in October 2018, taking the total number of cases in Swat to 228. Most of the victims are reportedly women.

The data obtained from the Swat police office showed that of the 228 suicide cases, 52 were men and 174 were women.

Neelam Rahim, a women rights activist in Swat, said that it was a matter of great concern that number of suicide cases among women was on the rise.

“Majority of the honour killing cases are reported by families and in-laws as suicides or natural deaths. It is the duty of the government and responsibility of the civil society to take notice of the situation. Police must investigate every incident properly and bring out the real causes behind the suicide cases,” she said.

The civil society members demanded of the government to take steps to control the situation.

“Most of the suicide cases are results of domestic problems. The three years of militancy has also psychological impacts that lead to attempts of suicides,” said Dr Rahil Shah, a psychologist in Saidu Teaching Hospital.

He said that joint family system was common in Swat that sometimes created social problems leading to suicides.

Published in Dawn, October 30th , 2018