Officer Met Psychiatrist Just a Day Before Tragic Death
A prominent psychiatrist, Dr. Hafiz Sultan Muhammad, has disclosed new details regarding the apparent suicide of Superintendent of Police (SP) Adeel Akbar, who was found dead in Islamabad earlier this week.
Dr. Sultan revealed that Adeel Akbar had met him just one day before his death, seeking help for severe mental distress. The psychiatrist said Akbar appeared anxious and overwhelmed during their meeting. He was clearly under pressure. I advised him to admit himself to the private ward of PIMS Hospital immediately, Dr. Sultan shared.
However, the officer reportedly returned home later with his wife, insisting that he could manage his depression on his own. Tragically, less than 24 hours later, the news of his death surfaced, sending shockwaves through the police department and the wider community.
Warning to Family to Remove Weapons
Dr. Sultan further revealed that he had urged the officer’s family to remove all firearms and sharp objects from his surroundings due to his fragile mental state. I specifically told them to keep weapons away from him, he noted, expressing deep sorrow that the tragedy could not be prevented.
The psychiatrist added, Sometimes, even after taking all precautions, fate overpowers human effort. His comments have sparked widespread discussion about mental health awareness and suicide prevention within Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies.
A High-Achieving Officer with a Heavy Burden
According to Dr. Sultan, SP Adeel Akbar had proudly mentioned that he passed the Central Superior Services (CSS) exams twice and held top positions in his class. He had served in several challenging regions, including Quetta, Turbat, and Kashmir, and had only been posted to his latest assignment ten days before his death.
The psychiatrist clarified, however, that the officer’s depression did not appear to be directly linked to his job assignments. Instead, it stemmed from a deep emotional or psychological struggle that he described as beyond comprehension or expression.
Broader Concerns Over Mental Health in Police Ranks
The tragic incident, followed by SP Adeel Akbar’s burial with full honors, has reignited conversations about the mental health crisis among police officers in Pakistan. Studies in recent years have shown that long working hours, exposure to trauma, and lack of psychological support contribute to rising stress and depression within law enforcement.
Experts have urged authorities to strengthen mental health services, counseling programs, and crisis interventions for police personnel across the country.
Following public attention, Dr. Hafiz Sultan later deleted his social media post discussing the incident, stating that he did so out of respect for the grieving family.
