Ghakuch: The youth of Ghizer pronounced a declaration demanding the establishment of a hotline across the district to tackle issues related to mental health on an emergency basis.
This demand was made during a historic event “Ghizer Youth Maraka on Mental” held in district headquarters Ghukuch on Sunday, June 19, 2022.
Organized under the banner of Immune Commune Research and Development (ICRD), the maraka was fundamentally aimed at discussing the causes and possible solutions to increasing suicide cases in the district.
The event was attended by stakeholders from government, civil society organizations, educational and religious institutions, and more than 700 youth from all regions of the Ghizer district.
While speaking on the occasion, the speakers demanded from the government and relevant institutions to undertake result-oriented initiatives to address the rising trend of suicides and mental health issues.
The speakers proposed an introduction of a lay counseling model to reach at the doorsteps of local communities that are left in a lurch in the absence of mental health-related infrastructure.
While speaking on the occasion, Deputy Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly (GBA) Nazir Ahmed Advocate urged the young people to take on challenges in life with courage. He assured the youth of his support for such an initiative.
Other speakers included Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA) member Nawaz Khan Naji, Advisor to Chief Minister GB Yasir Abbas, Assistant Commissioner Punial-Ishkoman Ghanzanfar Ali, officials of the education department, health and civil society.
The stakeholders unanimously agreed to address the issues in all spheres of society ranging from family to school.
A resolution was unanimously passed in the maraka demanding establishment of a hotline to address the emergencies across the tehsil with sensitized staff deputed to counsel and referral.
Considering the role of schools pivotal, it was suggested to build the capacity of teachers thereby enhancing their psycho-social skills in dealing with issues of mental health and suicides. This would help schools to act as primary point of interaction and referrals for further treatment of serious cases.
The maraka also demanded legislation regarding sexual and child abuse, early marriage, drug abuse, and domestic violence.
While concluding the event, the moving spirit behind the event Anayat Baigh said similar events would be arranged across the tehsils of Ghizer district to bring more and more young people within the ambit of the mental health movement started by the youth.
