A retrospective case report analysis was done of all index cases of parasuicide presenting over a period of 3.5 years to a university hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Results showed that most subjects were young adults with married women representing the single largest group. Self-poisoning was the most common method. Interpersonal conflict was the most common precipitating event. In Pakistani culture, marriage appears to a significant source of stress for women. Reports based on official police records do not reflect the true picture of parasuicide in Pakistan. (17 refs.)