Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have said that mental health is an integral part of health, human dignity and national development. They said that the Government is committed to addressing discriminatory attitudes towards mental health conditions and removing the barriers that discourage people from seeking timely care. They said that the Government is committed to strengthening measures for the timely diagnosis and early intervention of mental health conditions and improving access to effective services for quality care.
This was stated by President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages on the occasion of World Mental Health Day. President Asif Ali Zardari said 'On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, I extend my greetings and best wishes to people across Pakistan, particularly to persons living with mental health conditions, their families and caregivers, mental health professionals, and all those working to promote mental health and well-being in our country'.
President Zardari said that the theme of this year's World Mental Health Day, 'Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,' highlights the importance of listening to those who have experienced mental health challenges and ensuring that their perspectives inform the policies, services and decisions that affect their lives.
He said that mental health is an integral part of health, human dignity and national development. We must continue to build a Pakistan where people can seek mental health support without stigma or discrimination, where quality services are accessible and affordable, and where every individual can live with dignity and hope.
President Zardari said 'I appreciate the efforts of health professionals, civil society organizations, development partners, communities and families to strengthen mental health services and support the integration of mental health into primary healthcare and wider health and social development initiatives. Our commitment to mental health must reach all segments of society, particularly children and young people, women, persons with disabilities, vulnerable populations and those affected by emergencies and adversity'.
President Zardari said 'On this important occasion, I call upon all stakeholders to move beyond awareness to meaningful action by listening to people with lived experience, addressing stigma and discrimination, strengthening community-based mental health services and ensuring that mental health remains an integral part of universal health coverage and national development. Let us work towards a Pakistan where every person is heard, valued and treated with dignity, and where mental health is recognized as an essential part of the health and well-being of our people'.
In his message PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'On World Mental Health Day, Pakistan joins the international community in reaffirming the fundamental importance of mental health and the need to address mental health conditions and psychological challenges with due seriousness. This must be recognised in clear terms that there can be no health without mental health. This year's theme, 'Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,' underscores the importance of not only listening to people with lived experience of mental health conditions but also meaningfully incorporating their perspectives into the policies, services and decisions that affect their lives. Ensuring the meaningful participation of affected individuals and the informed input of experts is essential to developing effective strategies and strengthening mental health systems'.
He said that mental health encompasses far more than merely the prevention and treatment of mental health conditions, it is integral to the healthy development of our younger generation and to enabling young people to realise their full potential. The challenges faced by young people in shaping their personalities, nurturing their abilities and achieving intellectual and emotional development must essentially be acknowledged at both individual and collective levels. Addressing these challenges will enable us to harness the full potential of our human resources and channel their talents and capabilities towards national development and prosperity.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said the identification and treatment of mental health conditions must receive the same degree of acceptance at the individual, family and societal levels as physical illnesses. A supportive and non-judgmental environment is essential to enabling affected individuals to seek timely treatment and focus on their recovery without fear of stigma or undue social pressure.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'Even today, many people continue to face social stigma surrounding mental health, delays in seeking timely treatment and barriers to accessing essential support. The Government is committed to addressing discriminatory attitudes towards mental health conditions and removing the barriers that discourage people from seeking timely care'.
He said that through the Ministry of National Health Services, the Government is working on Pakistan's National Mental Health Policy 2026-35. The policy provides a framework for a more accessible, equitable and rights-based approach to mental health. Ensuring its effective implementation, with a focus on tangible and measurable outcomes, remains a government priority.
He said that the Government is committed to strengthening measures for the timely diagnosis and early intervention of mental health conditions and improving access to effective services for quality care. In this regard, we are working in close collaboration with provincial governments and relevant stakeholders at the local level to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare facilities, educational institutions and community-based platforms.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'Children, young people, women and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups require particular attention in the context of mental health. Special consideration must also be given to communities affected by poverty, displacement, emergencies and the adverse impacts of climate change. The effective treatment, care and rehabilitation of people experiencing mental health conditions require a collective and sustained effort by all stakeholders, including governments, educational institutions, families, civil society, mental health professionals and development partners. On this World Mental Health Day, I urge every Pakistani to play a role in building a society where people can speak openly about mental health without fear, stigma or embarrassment, and where everyone has the opportunity and support to lead a healthy, active and fulfilling life'.