LAHORE: The recent virtual launch of the “Suicide Prevention Overview, Guidelines, and Recommendations among Children and Adolescents in Pakistan” by Pakistan Psychiatric Research Centre (PPRC) in collaboration with Child & Family Psychiatry Department in King Edward Medical University, brought together experts, advocates, and stakeholders from various sectors to address the pressing issue of youth suicide prevention. The event was an important milestone in the collective efforts to combat the growing mental health challenges among the youth, particularly in the context of Pakistan.
Prof Dr. Nazish Imran, Co-Chair steering committee of Guidelines & Chairperson Child & Family Psychiatry Department at King Edward Medical University, welcomed the distinguished guests, esteemed panelists, and participants. She expressed gratitude for their presence, underscoring the significance of this event considering the increasing mental health burden among children and adolescents in Pakistan. Prof Nazish emphasized the critical need for collaboration, awareness, and commitment in suicide prevention, stressing that while suicide is a preventable tragedy, it requires concerted efforts at all levels of society.
Prof. Afzal Javed (Chairman PPRC, Immediate Past President World Psychiatric Association) highlighted the importance of cross-border collaborations and sharing best practices in suicide prevention. He stressed that addressing youth suicide requires collective action from both national and international entities, alongside robust policies and frameworks. Prof Afzal Javed also acknowledged the hard work of steering committee and role-played by International and national advisory panels in developing these guidelines.
Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal (Vice President CPSP, VC, FJMU) discussed how medical and psychiatric training institutions play a pivotal role in equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and intervene in cases of mental distress among children and adolescents. He emphasized the need for updated curriculum and training modules. Prof. Mahmood Ayyaz (Vice Chancellor, KEMU), underscored the critical role academic institutions can play in shaping future healthcare professionals and in conducting research that advances mental health initiatives. He spoke about the institutional commitment required to tackle this issue on a systemic level.
Prof. Ahsan Nazeer (Chair of steering committee for these guidelines, Associate Professor, Clinical Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA, Clinical Director, Child Mental Health Services, Sidra Medicine, Qatar) provided an international perspective on the youth suicide crisis, examining data and policies from various countries and their effectiveness in reducing suicide rates. He shared valuable insights that could be adapted to the Pakistani context to better support youth mental health. Prof Nazish Imran introduced the guidelines as a structured, evidence-based approach tailored specifically to Pakistan’s context. She emphasized how the guidelines would empower healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, and caregivers to intervene early and provide crucial support to at-risk youth.
The inclusion of real-life stories and struggles shared by children and their parents, offering an intimate view of the mental health challenges faced by youth in Pakistan. These narratives help to humanize the issue and create greater empathy among the public and professionals. The guidelines offer guidance on how to screen for suicide risk using validated questionnaires, such as the ASQ and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). These tools are recommended for use in healthcare settings, schools, and community outreach programs to identify at-risk individuals early on. The guidelines also offer tailored strategies for suicide prevention within the Pakistani context, addressing cultural, socio-economic, and regional factors that influence mental health and suicide risk. Special attention is given to issues like academic pressure, bullying, stigma around mental health, and the scarcity of mental health services in rural areas. In a powerful display of youth involvement, the guidelines include artwork created by school students related to mental health. These pieces visually represent the emotional struggles and hopes of children and adolescents, helping to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health issues in Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Wajid Ali Akhunzada (President, Pakistan Psychiatric Society, Head of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences HMC Peshawar) addressed the current state of mental health services in Pakistan, stressing the need for integrated national efforts to prevent suicide. He outlined strategies that the government and mental health professionals can adopt to improve the availability and accessibility of mental health support for children and adolescents. Prof. Rafia Rafique (President, Pakistan Psychological Association) focused on the stigma surrounding mental health in Pakistan and its role in preventing individuals from seeking help. She emphasized the importance of community and societal involvement in addressing this issue. National advisory Panel members Sindh: Prof. Iqbal Afridi, Prof Moin Ansari; Punjab: Prof. Burhan Mustafa, Prof. Ayesha Rasheed; Baluchistan: Prof. Dr. Ghulam Rasool, Prof. Hazrat Ali. KPK: Prof. Khalid Mufti, Prof. Bashir Ahmad and Gilgit Baltistan, Dr Shahida were acknowledged and they shared their perspectives on the current state of mental health services in their respective provinces. They also emphasized the importance of localized interventions to address the unique challenges each region faces in terms of suicide prevention and mental health support. Prof Waqar Azeem (Qatar), Prof Imran Ijaz Haider and Prof Saima Niaz ( UK) also shared their views regarding the initiative and guidelines.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to breaking the stigma around mental health, promoting mental well-being, and ensuring that no child or adolescent feels isolated in their struggles. The guidelines by PPRC are an important tool in this ongoing effort, and it is hoped that healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers will embrace the recommendations across the country to make a meaningful impact on suicide prevention. The session closed with a thank you from the moderator, Nazish Imran, who expressed gratitude to all panelists and participants for their invaluable contributions to the cause.
Report submitted by Prof Nazish Imran, Prof Ahsan Nazeer & Prof Afzal Javed.
Thankyou for publishing our report. Much apppreciated