A new community rehabilitation centre will soon be established in Chitral to provide mental health, legal, and social support services amid rising cases of suicide, especially among women, a local activist announced.

The centre, named Dastak, was unveiled by human rights worker Farida Sultana at the Chitral Press Club. It aims to fill a major service gap in the region by offering integrated support including counseling, crisis intervention, legal aid, a 24/7 helpline, and mediation services.

Services Offered

Dastak will offer:

  • Professional psychological counseling and therapy
  • Legal support and guidance for victims of domestic and sexual violence
  • A round-the-clock helpline for emergency help and crisis management
  • Vocational training and enterprise programmes (especially non-timber forest-based) for livelihood support
  • Awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around mental health issues and violence
  • Family mediation, conflict resolution, Islamic and general counseling

According to Ms. Sultana, Chitral currently lacks any centre that provides such a full range of services. There are few places for women and youth who suffer from social isolation, domestic abuse or mental distress to go for help that is confidential, safe, and culturally sensitive.

Community Need

Officials and advocacy groups say the lack of mental health infrastructure, legal support and crisis-response options has left vulnerable people with few avenues to seek help. The proposed centre aims to reduce suicide rates, improve reporting of violence, strengthen community ties, and help rebuild trust in social institutions.

Ms. Sultana stressed that women and young people will especially benefit, particularly those affected by violence or mental health challenges, or those at risk and in need of help but without support.

Path Forward

While Dastak has been announced, it is not yet operational. The founding team will need to secure premises, staff, funding, and approvals. Awareness-building is already part of the plan, to reduce stigma and inform the community about the new services when they begin.

Operators say the centre will play a vital role in providing alternatives to silence and suffering, especially given Chitral’s remoteness, rugged terrain, and existing social challenges.