Minister of State for Health, Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, while addressing a mental health event organized by Health Services Academy and Bahria University, stated that the biggest gap in Pakistan’s healthcare system lies in the areas of prevention and health promotion, primarily due to the severe lack of public awareness.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharath said that according to estimates, nearly 35 to 40 million people in Pakistan are living with various health conditions, including diabetes, hepatitis, and other chronic diseases. He said that the burden of these illnesses not only affects patients physically but also places immense psychological and emotional stress on families. As a result, millions of households across the country are facing mental health challenges and emotional distress at different levels.
Highlighting the alarming rise in suicide incidents, the Minister referred to various regions including Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and rural and urban areas of Punjab. He said that domestic violence, social pressures, and other socio-economic factors are contributing to the growing mental health crisis.
He emphasized that in such circumstances, the mental development of affected children suffers significantly, making them more vulnerable to negative behaviors instead of becoming productive and positive members of society.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharath observed that Pakistan’s mental health sector has long suffered from a fragmented system, where various institutions have been working in isolation. He pointed out the lack of coordination among psychiatrists, psychologists, allied health professionals, and regulatory bodies including the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, which at times has also affected professional boundaries and service delivery.
The Minister stressed the urgent need for an integrated, coordinated, and comprehensive strategy in which all relevant institutions and experts work collectively to effectively address mental health challenges. He further noted that the shortage of psychiatrists and psychologists in the country remains a major challenge that requires coordinated national efforts.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharath reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing public awareness, strengthening preventive systems, and placing mental health among the country’s national priorities.
He further informed that the government is working on a comprehensive and integrated strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s mental health system. In this regard, a Technical Advisory Group meeting was recently convened to discuss the establishment of a resilient mental health system in the context of climate change. The meeting was attended by representatives from federal and provincial institutions, National Disaster Management Authority, other stakeholders, and technical experts.
During the meeting, participants conducted a detailed review of the challenges facing the mental health system due to the impacts of climate change. The Minister said that the Technical Advisory Group, under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, will serve as an effective platform for evidence-based policymaking and practical interventions.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharath also announced that a major international event will be organized in Islamabad on the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2026, during which the National Mental Health Policy and mental health initiatives related to climate change are expected to be unveiled.
Concluding his address, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to undertake future initiatives that would not only help prevent diseases but also contribute towards building a healthy, informed, and balanced society.
VC health service accedemy Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, highlighted the institution’s leading role in advancing public mental health in Pakistan during a recent event.
Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan stated that HSA has organized Pakistan’s first major public mental health event that brings together psychiatrists and psychologists on a unified platform. This initiative marks a significant step toward collaborative prevention and control of mental health problems in the country.
He emphasized that HSA is actively leading the national mental health agenda through strong collaborations at both national and international levels. The Academy has established key partnerships with University of Liverpool and University of Manchester, strengthening research, capacity building, and knowledge exchange in the field of mental health.
Dr. Khan further noted that HSA is working closely with multiple national organizations to promote emotional well-being. These efforts include providing counseling services, early detection, effective management, and research focused on common mental disorders.
He also highlighted that the Health Services Academy is playing a crucial role in developing trained human resources in the domain of public mental health, ensuring a stronger and more responsive healthcare system for the future.
