This study sought to identify major risk factors associated with suicide in Karachi, Pakistan. Interviews were conducted for 100 consecutive suicides, which were matched for age, gender, & area of residence with 100 living controls. Both univariate analysis & conditional logistic regression model results indicate predictors of suicide in Pakistan are psychiatric disorders, especially depression, being married, unemployment, & negative & stressful life events. Only a few individauls were receiving treatment at the time of suicide. None of the victims had been in contact with a health professional in the month before their death. (30 refs.)