By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) took part in a leadership dialogue titled “Talk the Hope”, organised by Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services, aimed at strengthening suicide prevention efforts across the province.
The commission welcomed the initiative, saying it brought together key stakeholders to discuss policy strategies, improve institutional coordination, and integrate mental health services within emergency and telehealth systems, including Tele-Tabeeb 1123.
During the session, SHRC stressed that suicide prevention should be treated not only as a medical emergency but also as a human rights obligation. It underlined that the right to life, dignity and access to healthcare are fundamental rights, and that mental health protection is inseparable from the broader human rights framework. The commission noted that people at risk often face stigma, discrimination, economic hardship, domestic violence and weak support systems, requiring coordinated institutional responses.
Participants discussed the need for ambulance services and emergency call centres to include trained responders in psychological first aid, confidential crisis-handling protocols and immediate referral pathways. Telehealth platforms such as Tele-Tabeeb were recognised for providing round-the-clock remote mental health consultations and confidential support, particularly for those reluctant to seek in-person care and in underserved districts.
The event was hosted by Brigadier (R) Tarique Quadir Lakhiar, chief executive officer of SIEHS, and former MPA Muhammad Qasim Soomro. Rajveer Singh Sodha, special assistant to the chief minister on human rights, attended as chief guest.
Organisers said the dialogue aimed to translate concern into coordinated action and strengthen collective efforts to protect the right to life and mental wellbeing across Sindh.
#SHRC #SindhHealth #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #HumanRights #TeleTabeeb1123 #SukkurNews #PublicHealth #SindhGovernment #PakistanNews
