Islamabad: In a significant move to tackle the mental health crisis affecting millions, Pakistan’s Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal unveiled the National Mental Health Policy 2026-2035 during the Global Mental Health Summit. The policy aims to provide mental health care access to over 32.4 million people, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Global Institute of Human Development (GIHD) – Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU).

According to Press Information Department, the summit, hosted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSRC), gathered 800 participants, including mental health experts, academia, and policymakers, to discuss actions that align with the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2030. WHO estimates indicate a significant treatment gap in Pakistan, where only 5% of those needing mental health services have access, with a workforce ratio of 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 people.

Federal Health Minister Kamal highlighted mental health as a critical national issue, urging collective action across ministries and individuals to create a healthier environment. The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, emphasized translating policy commitments into practical actions in schools and communities.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored the economic benefits of investing in mental health, while UNICEF’s Pernille Ironside called for a focus on children’s mental health amid evolving challenges like climate change. Dr. Syed Usman Hamdani of GIHD noted Pakistan’s advancements in mental health through community-based innovations.

The summit aims to establish Pakistan’s leadership in mental health policy and promote resilient mental health systems globally.