Decriminalizing Attempt to Suicide in Pakistan (Treatment not Punishment; An Analytical Study)

Abstract

Life is a precious gift of God and every mankind is bound to observe its sanctity. But several reasons and mental disorders have taken the force from mankind to observe the sanctity of life and as a result, they take their lives by committing suicide. By definition, Suicide refers, to the act of killing oneself, most often as a result of some mental illness. Suicide is a misfortune and to some extent a mystery. As of late, the pace of suicide has expanded in Pakistan and it has become a significant issue of the ongoing period. The surveyed pace of suicide in Pakistan as per the World Health Organization (WHO) was 7.5 per 100,000 individuals, in 2012. In straightforward words, around 13,000 individuals ended it all that year. The gauge was 2.9 per 100,000 for example more than 5,500 took their lives, in 2016. Around 15 to 35 individuals end their lives in Pakistan consistently. Hanging, utilization of bug sprays and guns are the most widely recognized techniques for ending it all. Pakistan is among few countries in which attempted suicide is yet a culpable offense as it has condemned the suicide and its attempt under Section 325 of Pakistan Penal Code 1860 with either punishment or fine or both. It is relevant to make reference to that perpetrating suicide is an ailment not wrongdoing as an individual who endeavors to end it all experiences mental issues like; sadness, tension, disappointment and he ought to be given treatment, not discipline. An individual who endeavors to end it all and comes up short ought to be treated as a 'patient', not as a guilty party of a failed suicide attempt‟. This Research Project will provide a deep insight into the problem of criminalizing suicide and attempt to suicide‟. In addition, also provide a framework for omitting or repealing Section 325 of PPC by replacing the punishment with treatment/rehabilitation.