Pakistani internet rescued this guy from Rawalpindi but we need a larger discussion
It’s a known fact that mental health is rarely taken seriously in our society. We have seen many instances in our lives when Pakistanis in general usually undermine the seriousness of depression and the importance of mental health but this one incident has proved that united efforts and support at the right time can help many people who are being affected by it.
So, here’s the story of how Pakistani internet came together to save this Rawalpindi based young man’s life after he posted that he was going to end it
So, basically, a teenager from Rawalpindi tweeted out a note that he was seriously contemplating ending his life and that he just can’t stop himself from taking this serious step. He began his tweet by explaining that he understands that he is blessed in comparison to many people out there but he is overthinking a lot of stuff. He mentioned in this tweet that he does not care about anyone now and he will commit suicide the very next day.
Naturally, many people got seriously concerned by the note.
everyone please pray that zohaib overcomes whatever is bothering him and continue to live his life happily! and beside that please keep a check on everyone around you. One conversation can help someone. May Allah help all the ones suffering. Ameen!
— hashir (@hashirkhanx) June 1, 2021
Please keep Zohaib in your prayers. May he get rid of the circumstances that pushed him towards taking it this far. And May Allah protect him.
— S🪐//SAVEPALESTINE🇵🇸 (@NuggsNotDrugsss) June 1, 2021
PLEASE PRAY FOR ZOHAIB AND THAT THE POLICE REACHES THERE IN TIME, PLEASE PRAY HE FINDS MENTAL PEACE AND GETS TO LIVE A BEAUTIFUL AND LONG LIFE, PLEASE DUA KARO HE DOESN'T DO IT, HE BADLY NEEDS OUR PRAYERS PLEASE DO IT YAAR!
— Sheri's wife 🕊️🇵🇸 (@geminiaddictgf) June 1, 2021
Slowly, as the young man’s note got attention Pakistani internet started to band together to show the Rawalpindi based guy that his struggle could be overcome with his conviction and the love and support of those around him
Guys retweet this for visibility even if you know zohaib a little bit or even if you don't i want you to quote this with an appreciation tweet abhi aur isi waqt FUCKING LET HIM KNOW HE'S LOVED TAG BHI KARO USKO
— ffs Abdul Rehman (@Abdul_Rehman546) June 1, 2021
And then stepped in the Rawalpindi Police who quickly got in touch with the guy under his tweet
The process to help him started from this tweet when police tried to look for his location.
Dear Zohaib, Let us offer our help with whatever it is that's troubling you. Please respond to our DM. We care for you, we all do!
ATTN Everyone!!! Please send us his contact or location details if anyone has it. Looking forward.
— Rawalpindi Police (@RwpPolice) June 1, 2021
A lot of people responded to the Rawalpindi Police in order to help track the teenager’s location and help him realize that he mattered to so many people
Hey Zohaib, we dont know each other but I want you to know that Allah will make it easier for you. Trust me,it happened for me and it will for you too. There are so many people who'd love to be your friends and listen to you. Much love! https://t.co/VvF9pQrMAH
— Aqsa (@_aqsaaaa_) June 1, 2021
Finally, the Rawalpindi Police shared that they were able to locate the guy and ensure his safety
The police shared a photo announcing that the boy is safe. They even thanked all of those who helped them with authentic information at the right time.
Alhamdolillah; Rawalpindi Police has found Zohaib, he's fine & safe. We'd like to thank you all who tagged us, Dm'd us and provided us some bits of information to begin with our tireless effort in this regard to finding him. @Amnaapi @AhsanPSP @FaakhirRizvi @MashwaniAzhar pic.twitter.com/gwmF7rxy0X
— Rawalpindi Police (@RwpPolice) June 1, 2021
People on social media were genuinely happy for the teenager and all of them patted their own backs for saving a life
They went on to say that this unity on the social media platforms ensured that the guy received the support at the right time.
One thing the whole zohaib incident has proven is unity is strength we managed to garner enough attention that people living in proximity were able to read and reach out to him, kudos to all those who stopped him.
— Chaudhry Hashaam Ayub Warraich 🇵🇸 (@chhashaamayub99) June 2, 2021
We all did it, We all saved Zohaib's life, Alhmdulillah Alhmdulillah, das the power of Social media, we saved him from endin his life! 🙌 Shukr Allah ka
— Maham (@i_am__moon_) June 1, 2021
Zohaib 15 year old uploaded a suicide note. People tracked down his brother, police messaged one of his freind & planned to send a team to his house. All this under half an hour . Bingo ! How powerful social media is dude … pic.twitter.com/PgtWFHiu7y
— 𝐊𝐀𝐓 🇵🇰🇵🇸🇹🇷 (@Kainat_hun_) June 1, 2021
There were some concerns, from the photo that the Rawalpindi Police had shared about what visually looked like a handcuffed young man
To be fair, these concerns weren’t unfounded given that only recently Punjab Police had shared a post stating that if someone who attempted suicide but ended up not passing on would be arrested for up to a year as suicide is criminalized under Pakistani law.
He's not hand-cuffed.
— Rawalpindi Police (@RwpPolice) June 1, 2021
Rawalpindi Police should be appreciated for their prompt response and their flawless handling of the case which saved a kid’s life. Apart from this, the people who played a focal role in getting in touch with the teenager are saviors too and this incident just goes to show that while many olds may want to dismiss it but social media has real power. Support like this can save many lives which are being affected by deteriorating mental health and depression.
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