Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services (SIEHS), the Government of Sindh’s pre-hospital and integrated healthcare entity, convened a multi-stakeholder dialogue titled “Talk the Hope” to initiate the development of a structured Suicide Prevention Matrix for vulnerable districts of Sindh.
The dialogue brought together representatives from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, and UN Women, alongside officials from Rescue 1122, the Women Development Department of Sindh, Sindh Mental Health Authority, Sindh Human Rights Commission, the University of Karachi, and the Police Surgeon of Karachi.
Discussions focused on the need for a practical framework that connects early identification, referral pathways, crisis response, and post-incident support, ensuring individuals at risk can access timely help through coordinated systems rather than fragmented efforts. Participants also underscored the role of SIEHS’s telehealth platform, Tele-Tabeeeb (1123) — providing free 24/7 medical and mental health support — as a key referral and counselling touchpoint within the proposed prevention pathway.
SIEHS announced that the pilot will be launched in Tharparkar, with plans to expand the framework to other vulnerable districts including Badin, Sanghar, and Jamshoro.
Speaking at the session, Brig. Tarique Quadir Lakhiar (R), CEO – SIEHS, said:
“Suicide prevention cannot be addressed through awareness alone. It requires structured pathways that help people access support early, without fear or stigma. This dialogue is a step towards building a district-ready framework that can be implemented and sustained.”
Mr. Qasim Siraj Soomro, Member, Provincial Assembly of Sindh (MPA), emphasized the importance of coordinated, district-level action, stating:
“This is a strategic and much-needed step for Sindh’s most vulnerable communities. Tharparkar requires a prevention framework that is rooted in local realities, supported through district-level coordination, and linked with accessible services. Our priority must be to reduce stigma, strengthen referral mechanisms, and ensure that support reaches people early—before distress turns into tragedy.”
The dialogue concluded with institutional commitments to support coordinated suicide prevention efforts across Sindh. Dr Mukhtyar (WHO) offered technical support to expand the use of mental health resources, while Prem Chand Bahadur, Chief Field Officer, UNICEF, reaffirmed continued partnership with SIEHS. Waheeda Mahesar, Executive Director, ZABTech, pledged collaboration to strengthen counselling services and specialized capacities.
From the academic and institutional side, Dr Farah Iqbal, Chairperson, University of Karachi, committed research support, including student engagement in baseline studies and interventions. Advocate Rubina Brohi, Chairperson, Sindh Commission on the Status of Women, assured support for gender-responsive initiatives, while Amber Bhatia, Deputy Director, Women Development Department Sindh, offered integration of existing hotlines and psychological services.
Rajvir Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Human Rights, stressed strengthened human rights safeguards, including implementation of Section 325, while Imran Laghari (UN Resident Coordinator’s Office) pledged high-level engagement. Dr Summayah Tariq, Police Surgeon, committed medico-legal and capacity-building support, and Raheema Panwar offered technical expertise for evidence-based policy development.
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