Peshawar( Haroon Rasheed ) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Assembly has unanimously passed a crucial resolution expressing deep concern over the growing social problems faced by the youth of Chitral, particularly educated women. The resolution highlights a disturbing rise in mental health issues and suicides among the region’s young population due to unemployment, lack of opportunities, and social pressures.
According to the resolution, despite having a high literacy rate, Upper and Lower Chitral continue to face a severe shortage of job opportunities, leaving thousands of young graduates disillusioned and under psychological stress. The assembly urged the provincial government to formulate a joint strategy involving the departments of health, social welfare, and education to provide career counseling, psychological support, and better access to mental health experts. The proposal also included the establishment of suicide prevention centers and hotlines at the union council level.
ANP MPA Highlights Women’s Struggles
ANP MPA Khadija Bibi, who tabled the resolution, emphasized that Chitral has one of the highest literacy rates in the province, yet societal barriers and lack of opportunities disproportionately affect women. “These women are talented and willing to contribute, but social constraints hold them back,” she said.
Blackmail Leading to Suicides
Khadija Bibi also revealed that blackmail incidents are pushing young girls toward suicide. She cited a recent case in Upper Chitral where a female student ended her life after being harassed by a blackmailer. The MPA urged police and the judiciary to take strict action and award exemplary punishments to deter such crimes.
Economic Struggles and Despair
The MPA further said that winter months leave Chitral with almost no employment opportunities. “Parents sell their lands to educate their children, yet degree holders are applying even for Class-IV jobs,” she added, demanding that the government give Chitrali youth preference in public sector recruitment to reduce frustration and suicide incidents.
Call for Action and Awareness
Khadija Bibi urged the government to set up counseling and support centers at the tehsil level with female officers so that women feel safe seeking help. She also recommended launching awareness campaigns in remote areas and creating job opportunities to prevent the rising suicide trend.
This resolution comes amid growing concern as more than five suicide cases have been reported in Chitral within just a few months, with many others going unreported due to social stigma.
