Pakistani court restoring criminal penalties for attempted suicide sparks concerns over mental health: Report
Islamabad, July 6
A recent judgement by the Federal Shariat Court in Pakistan restoring criminal penalties for attempted suicide has sparked concerns among psychiatric community over mental health, justice and the state's approach to psychological distress, a report has detailed.
At a time when depression, anxiety and socioeconomic problems continue to impact millions of people, the court's ruling has sparked concern among psychiatrists, rights advocates and legal experts who have contended that Pakistan's legal framework is moving in the opposite direction from global mental health practices. The court's verdict comes amid an increasing evidence that Pakistan is facing mental health crisis, according to Sri Lanka's Daily Mirror.
Public awareness has increased in Pakistan in recent years, however, access to treatment remains limited, stigma remains entrenched and healthcare infrastructure continues to struggle to meet demand. The return of criminal liability for suicide attempts has further intensified questions on whether legal institutions in Pakistan are aligned with the contemporary understanding of mental illness.
The concerns were raised after the Federal Shariat Court's decision in May struck down the legal amendments introduced through the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act, 2022, which had removed attempted suicide from the Pakistan Penal Code. The court said that the repeal was inconsistent with Islamic rules and directed the restoration of Section 325, according to a report in Daily Mirror. The court's ruling implies that a person who survives suicide attempts may once again face criminal prosecution.
The ruling has sparked concerns among the psychiatric community of Pakistan. The Pakistan Psychiatric Society filed an appeal before the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court and contended that criminalisation discourages vulnerable individuals from seeking medical help and affects evidence-based psychiatric care.
Mental health professionals have said that suicide attempts are frequently connected to depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance dependence and psychological trauma instead of criminal intent. They stated that the fear of prosecution can discourage families from reporting incidents and would delay medical assistance.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone studying psychology, this makes me very worried. Criminalising suicide attempts will push people deeper into hiding and shame. In our own country, we still have stigma around mental health despite legal reforms. Pakistan needs to listen to their psychiatrists 🙏
Terrible decision. I understand they want to follow Islamic principles, but even in Islam, there is mercy and understanding for those suffering. The Pakistan Psychiatric Society is absolutely right - this will deter people from seeking help. We should pray for our neighbours across the border.
This is so regressive. Modern medicine clearly shows suicidal behavior stems from untreated mental illness. Punishing someone for being sick is medieval. Pakistan needs to focus on building mental health infrastructure instead of wasting courts' time on this. Sad to see this from a neighboring country.
Honestly, as an Indian, I feel for the people of Pakistan who are suffering mentally. Depression doesn't discriminate by nationality or religion. We should all advocate for compassion and proper psychiatric care. Punishing someone who tried to end their life is just cruel 😔
Border or no border, mental health is a shared human concern. India decriminalized this years ago and it was a progressive move. Pakistan should look at evidence, not just religious interpretations that may be outdated. The psychiatrists there are fighting a good fight - hope they win in the Supreme Court.
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