A RECENT tragic incident at Islamia College in Peshawar has once again drawn attention to the sombre reality of suicides in Pakistan, especially among young individuals. A seventh-semester student of the faculty of law ended his life in the hostel, leaving behind a handwritten note addressedtohisfatherthatread: `I am fed up with the world ... I do not know why, but I cannot live in this society.

These final words reflect a sheer sense ofsuffocationundersocietalpressures, indicating deep emotional anguish and isolation.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that suicide is not merely an individual decision, but the outcome of broader societal issues. Sociologists, such as Emile Durkheim, have long recognised the link between societal structures and individual behaviour. Durkheim`s typology of suicide, particularly fatalistic suicide, is a useful framework for understanding this case.

Fatalistic suicide occurs when individuals feel excessively controlled by society or its institutions, resulting in a sense of entrapment. Local data paints a troubling picture. In Pakistan, domestic conflicts account for 70.7 per cent of suicides, while financial and relationship issues contribute significantly as well.

The stigma surrounding mental health in Pakistan exacerbates the issue, often pushing individuals who are struggling inward, with little or no outlet for their pain. The recent suicide is not just a personal tragedy, but a consequence of systemic failure.

Likewise, Erving Goffman`s exploration of stigma highlights how societal labels and judgments can push individualsinto isolation, making it difficult for them to seek help. For him, the rigid expectations of society academic, familial and social combined with a lack of support likely lead to alienation and hopelessness.

To address the issue, Pakistan must take a multi-pronged approach. Universities should invest in mental health services, providing accessible counselling, and fostering environments where students may seek help without fear of judgment.

Additionally, there must be a societal shift in attitudes towards mental health, with conversations about emotional wellbeing be coming more normalised.

The stigma surrounding mental health must be dismantled so that such individuals may feel empowered to seek help.

Religious leaders also have a critical role to play in mitigating suicides.

Moreover, cultural norms that often view emotional struggles as shameful need to be re-examined to allow for a more supportive environment where seeking help is not seen as a weakness, but as an act of strength.

Furthermore, the role of family cannot be overstated. Open communication and emotional support are essential in preventing suicides. On a broader scale, policymakers should address the socioeconomic factors that contribute to suicide, such as poverty, unemployment and inadequate healthcare.

The recent incident is not an isolated one. The final words of the student serve as a powerful reminder of the suffocating environment many young people face in Pakist an.

As a society, we must actively confront the toxic elements among us that perpetuate isolation, judgment and despair.

If we mean to prevent future tragedies, we have to create a more compassionate, open and supportive environment.

Zakir Ullah Mardan