In Thar, there is a troubling rise in suicide cases. Factors such as inflation, poverty, the lack of cousin marriages in the Hindu community, and other issues are contributing to this increase.
Moreover, reports indicate that suicides are occurring in various areas of Thar, including Diplo, Chachro, Dali, and Mithi, as well as several villages in the region.
According to official statistics, in 2022, 129 people committed suicide in Tharparkar. This number decreased slightly to 125 in 2023 but then rose again to 92 in 2024. Among these, 58 men committed suicide in 2022, 61 in 2023, and 48 in 2024. For women, the figures are 72 in 2022, 69 in 2023, and 49 in 2024.
In addition, Dr. Jai Kumar from Mithi Civil Hospital explained that Tharparkar is a large desert area where suicide rates are rising due to poverty and lack of employment opportunities.
Additionally, issues such as the lack of cousin marriages in the Hindu community, social media influence, and other factors are contributing to this crisis.
Furthermore, some cases also go unreported due to the lack of basic facilities in hundreds of villages in Thar, making it difficult to reach hospitals or police stations. In these remote areas, travel can take several hours, and hiring a four-wheel drive vehicle for a journey of 50 kilometers can cost between 6,000 to 7,000 rupees, which many locals cannot afford.
Read More: IHC orders detailed report on Aafia Siddiqui’s transfer to US by Friday
In terms of religious demographics, 26 Muslims committed suicide in 2022, 34 in 2023, and 17 in 2024. For Hindus, the figures are higher, with 104 suicides in 2022, 96 in 2023, and a dramatic increase to 770 in 2024.
Additionally, the region also faces challenges such as hunger, poverty, lack of employment, and poor agricultural conditions. A doctor from a hospital in Chachro noted that the rise in suicides is linked to unemployment, the absence of cousin marriages, and other social issues.
He also mentioned that some suicides result from various forms of blackmail, and many incidents go unreported.
Social activist Punhal Sario highlighted that the situation in Tharparkar is alarming and requires collective efforts for prevention. He urged the Sindh government to make special arrangements for the people of Thar, who are struggling for basic sustenance.
The surge in suicides in Tharparkar in recent times reflects the dire need for increased awareness among youth. Programs should be developed to address issues related to education and employment to prevent further tragedies.
