YOUTH SUICIDE AS A GROWING MULTIFACETED PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS IN PAKISTAN AND THE ROLE OF ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY IN PREVENTION

Abstract

Youth suicide in Pakistan epitomizes a growing public health crisis, prejudiced by a complex web of cultural, social, economic, and psychological influences. Adolescents who practice suicidal ideation or attempt suicide frequently face unprocessed mental health conditions and lack access to adequate care due to social stigma and limited mental health access and approach. In a largely Muslim society with dominance of faith and spirituality in individual and communal life, an Islamic framework of spirituality offers a socially relevant and ethically beached approach to prevention and healing. This research article explores current situation, causes and solution based frame work to address increasing crises of suicide in Pakistan. As majority Muslim populated country, Integrating of Islamic teachings on hope, purpose, resilience, and the sanctity of life can help treatise suicide as a spiritual and mental health issue to promote help-seeking behavior. This paper advocates the spiritually cohesive, context and intrusions through alliance among religious scholars, clinicians, educators, and policymakers to support youth mental well-being and prevent suicide.