Suicide awareness.

Suicide, a tragic choice born of despair, only multiplies the pain instead of providing solutions to life's challenges. Recent inciAdents in Pakistan tragically highAlight the need for collective action. A 16-year-old girl from Rahim Yar Khan succumbed to her batAtle with depression, while another teenager from Hunza met a simiAlar fate following her exam results.

These heartbreaking stories unAderscore the increasing wave of suicides in our nation, impactAing not only vulnerable teenagers but also adults grappling with fiAnancial hardships. Pakistan faces a disturbing rise in suicide rates, claiming around 20,000 lives last year alone, with numerous others attempting and contemplating this drastic step. Mental illnesses, afAfecting 10-16% of the population, remain heavily stigmatized.

Seeking help is often perceived as shameful, leaving patients isoAlated and families dealing with societal judgment. The repeal of Section 325 of the Pakistan PeAnal Code, decriminalising...