PUSH Expresses Concern Over Suicides Driven by Poverty

Online, April 11, 2010 (Newswire.com) - ISLAMABAD (April 11, 2010): Press United to Serve Humanity (PUSH), a Pakistan-based, non-profit, non-governmental and non-sectarian consortium of journalists working for the freedom of press and protection of human rights, in a statement here on Sunday expressed deep concern over growing incidents of suicides due to poverty. Expressing sorrow over the incident of suicide by a newly wed couple few days back driven by poverty, PUSH demanded of the government to take concrete measures for poverty alleviation in the country.

Few days back, a couple namely Javed and Mumtaz married just six months back ended their lives by jumping in front of fast moving train on Lahorianwala Railway track. "The suicide by Javed and his wife, residents of R-7/109 Chechawatni driven by extreme poverty is shame for the civilized world in common and Pakistan in general", said PUSH statement, adding the government should initiate some programs for creating jobs and alleviating poverty.

During last six years (2004-2009) 11,000 people commit suicide according to date compiled by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). Poverty is one of the main motivations for these suicide cases, said the statement. The data showed that the period from 2005 to 2008 proved very hard for the poor, and working class people, due to rising poverty, joblessness and skyrocketing commodity prices.

PUSH also asked the government to provide some safety nets for poor class of the country, adding the Benazir Income Support program is not enough to cater to the needs of growing poor class.

About PUSH:
Press United to Serve Humanity (PUSH) is a Pakistan-based non-profit, non-governmental, and non-sectarian consortium of journalists from the print, electronic and online media; that support freedom of the press and desire to offer their time, talents, and skills in selfless and meaningful way to serve the mankind through creating mass awareness.

Supported by the PFUJ (Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists), PUSH is determined to work together with other like-minded civil society organizations, media groups, activists and concern citizens worldwide by publicizing their news stories to global attention and to mobilize action for the implementation of the UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more details, please visit: http://push.pk or send email to: [email protected]