ISLAMABAD: Google has introduced a new feature, "Umang Pakistan." 

Google has launched "Umang Pakistan."

"Umang Pakistan," a new Google search feature, aims to provide crisis-related mental health support.

Depression and Anxiety in Pakistan

Using Google's new suicide hotline one-box feature, Pakistani searchers can immediately reach a suicide hotline at the top of the search results page.

'Umang Pakistan's helpline will now be displayed to anyone in Pakistan seeking suicide-related inquiries such as "suicide support" and "how can I commit suicide," according to a news release.

Umang, a mental health helpline recognized by the WHO, provides support to Pakistanis who are contemplating or planning suicide.

Suicide in Pakistan

Pakistan's growing suicide rate necessitated a partnership between Umang and Google.

The World Health Organization estimates that between 130k and 270k suicide attempts occur a year in Pakistan. In the meantime, the number of people searching for information on mental health issues has risen.

Top Google Trend in Pakistan 2020-2021

According to Google Trends, "anxiety," "depression," and "suicide" all peaked in the country in the 2020-21 year.