Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, Friday, emphasized the need for a coordinated, inclusive and people-centred approach to strengthen mental health services in the country, ensuring accessible and affordable care for all segments of society. He expressed these views while attending the closing ceremony of the Pakistan Global Mental Health Summit 2026 as chief guest here.
The two-day summit, held from October 1-2, brought together national and international mental health experts, policymakers, development partners, United Nations agencies, academia, civil society representatives and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening the country’s mental health system.
The summit focused on improving access to quality mental health services, ensuring sustainable financing, promoting community-based care and enhancing coordination among relevant institutions. The key outcomes included the launch of the National Mental Health Policy, national school-based programmes for children’s and young people’s mental health, and the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration for Global Mental Health.
Participants stressed the need to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and educational institutions, while strengthening the relevant workforce, including school psychologists.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of incorporating mental health into national policies, budgetary allocations, health benefit packages and health data systems to ensure sustainable and effective service delivery.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated action at federal, provincial and regional levels to provide accessible, affordable and quality mental health services, particularly for children, young people, women and vulnerable and underserved communities.
The summit also underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among government institutions, provincial governments, international development partners, UN agencies, universities, civil society, youth and mental health professionals.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to developing a stronger, sustainable and inclusive mental health system in Pakistan.
