There is a deeply worrisome and recent phenomenon of reported suicides among Pakistani civil servants, which highlights a situation of extreme psychological stress.
SP Adeel Akbar was a highly accomplished and respected officer in the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), part of the Central Superior Services (CSS) framework.
He was known for his brilliance, dedication to duty, and poetic inclinations, often sharing Urdu verses on social media that reflected depth and resilience.
Tragically, he died by apparent suicide on October 23, 2025, at the age of around 46, leaving behind a young family, including a 4-year-old daughter.
His death has sparked widespread grief, tributes, and discussions on mental health pressures within Pakistan’s bureaucracy and law enforcement.
Adeel’s death adds to a troubling pattern of suicides among Pakistan’s civil servants, including PSP officers, amid high-stress environments involving political pressures, long hours, and mental health stigma.
Some of the cases of Pakistani officers who reportedly died by suicide show this trend.
Here’s a brief of the verified cases
Nabiha Noshirwani (female, Grade 21 CSS officer, Audit and Accounts Service)
- October 13, 2014
- Lahore, Audit and Accounts Training Institute hostel
- Self-immolation
- Ruled suicide by police; family disputed as murder. No note. High training stress noted.
SSP Jahanzaib Khan Kakar (SP/SSP, Jafferabad; PSP/CSS)
- May 16, 2016
- Jafferabad, Balochistan (office)
- Self-inflicted gunshot (official pistol)
- Initial reports suggested suicide; family and early forensics alleged murder due to threats from influential figures. Later provincial Home Department investigations (June 2016) confirmed suicide, with no foul play.
SSP Abrar Hussain Nekokara (SP/SSP, Principal Police Training School Rawat; PSP/CSS)
- January 13, 2020
- Rawalpindi, Punjab (office)
- Self-inflicted gunshot (service pistol)
- Confirmed suicide by post-mortem and police; linked to domestic/family dispute. Left a suicide note stating his death should not be mourned but respected, citing existential futility. Described as an “outstanding officer” by superiors; no suspicions of external involvement.
Bilal Pasha (male, CSS officer, former Cantonment Board chief)
- November 27, 2023
- Lahore
- Self-inflicted gunshot
- Apparent suicide confirmed by police; speculated depression. Shock to colleagues.
At least five confirmed cases of CSS/PSP officers dying by suicide are documented from 2014 to 2025.
These incidents highlight recurring themes like office settings, service weapons, and stressors (e.g., threats, family issues, and job pressures).
Stress and mental health issues within the Pakistani bureaucracy are becoming a grave concern, with reported suicides among Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP) officers highlighting an urgent need for intervention.
Such tragic cases underscore the necessity for mandatory psychological evaluation and robust mental health support systems across all tiers of the bureaucracy to ensure the well-being and operational fitness of government officers.
Disclaimer: For mental health resources in Pakistan, consider the Rozan Helpline (0800-22444) or Umang Pakistan (042-35883568).
