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Call for Strategy to Address Growing Mental Health Issues in Pakistan
President Dr Arif Alvi has stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy to address the rapidly growing challenge of mental health issues in Pakistan. Speaking at a follow-up meeting on mental health at Aiwan-e-Sadr, he revealed alarming figures: nearly 24% of the population is affected by mental health disorders, while almost 60% of college and university students suffer from stress, anxiety, or related conditions.
These statistics highlight a pressing crisis that demands immediate attention from the government, healthcare professionals, civil society, and media.
The Need for a Coordinated Approach
President Alvi emphasized that tackling mental health cannot be achieved by a single sector alone. He called for an integrated approach, involving:
- Relevant ministries and the Prime Minister’s Office
- Psychiatric associations and professional healthcare bodies
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Civil society and community leaders
- Media organizations for awareness campaigns
Such collective action, he said, would help reduce the mental health burden and break the barriers of stigma and silence.
Awareness and Destigmatisation
One of the biggest challenges in Pakistan is the stigma and taboo surrounding mental health. Many individuals hesitate to seek professional help due to cultural barriers, instead turning to faith healers or suffering in silence.
President Alvi suggested that Pakistan can learn from its successful awareness campaigns during COVID-19 and breast cancer prevention. With concise, impactful messaging and nationwide campaigns, mental health awareness can be mainstreamed, encouraging people to come forward for treatment without fear of judgment.
Increasing Mental Health Professionals
Currently, Pakistan faces a severe shortage of trained psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors. President Alvi highlighted the urgent need to increase the number of professionals while also improving capacity building of existing human resources. This includes:
- Training healthcare providers in counselling and therapy
- Establishing mental health units in hospitals
- Ensuring that support services are accessible even in rural and underserved areas
He also stressed that such initiatives must not remain temporary but should be sustained by successive governments for long-term impact.
Technology for Mental Health: The Humraaz App
The meeting also reviewed the Humraaz App, a digital platform designed to provide counselling, guidance, and awareness about mental health issues. President Alvi called for further strengthening the app through a special committee under the Strategic Reforms Implementation Unit.
Digital tools like Humraaz, he said, can bridge gaps in mental health support, particularly for young people and those hesitant to seek face-to-face therapy.
Collaboration and Global Support
Representatives from multiple organizations—including the Pakistan Psychological Association (PPA), Pakistan Psychiatric Society (PPS), National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), Taskeen Health Initiative, as well as international groups like PAPANA (Pakistani American Psychiatric Association of North America) and BAPPA (British Pakistani Psychiatrists Association)—participated in the meeting.
“President Alvi also praised the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between an international NGO and a private media group to promote mental health awareness across Pakistan.”
Conclusion:
The growing prevalence of mental health issues in Pakistan is not just a health crisis but also a social and economic challenge. With millions silently suffering and youth under unprecedented stress, urgent reforms are necessary.
By expanding awareness, increasing professionals, leveraging technology, and sustaining long-term policy support, Pakistan can move towards a healthier, more resilient society where mental health is no longer a taboo but a priority.
