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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EMBARGOED NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, UPLOADED OR SHARED ON SOCIAL MEDIA BEFORE 10 OCTOBER 2026
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