Summary Shehbaz Sharif vows to improve mental health services, eliminate stigma and expand access to care as Pakistan develops its National Mental Health Policy 2026-35.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving access to mental health services, eliminating social stigma and ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.
In his message on World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, the prime minister said mental health was fundamental to overall well-being, emphasising that there could be no health without mental health.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” he highlighted the importance of listening to people experiencing mental health conditions and incorporating their perspectives into policies, services and decisions affecting their lives.
He said the meaningful participation of affected individuals, along with expert input, was essential for developing effective strategies and strengthening mental health systems.
The prime minister said mental health extended beyond the prevention and treatment of mental health conditions, as it was also integral to the healthy development of young people and enabling them to realise their full potential.
He emphasised the need to recognise the challenges faced by young people in developing their personalities, nurturing their abilities and achieving intellectual and emotional growth. Addressing these challenges, he said, would help harness the country’s human resources and direct their capabilities towards national development and prosperity.
The prime minister stressed that the identification and treatment of mental health conditions should receive the same acceptance at individual, family and societal levels as physical illnesses.
He said a supportive and non-judgmental environment was necessary to encourage people to seek timely treatment and focus on recovery without fear of stigma or social pressure.
Acknowledging that many people continued to face discrimination, delays in seeking treatment and barriers to essential support, he said the government was committed to addressing negative attitudes towards mental health and removing obstacles that discouraged people from accessing care.
The prime minister said the government, through the Ministry of National Health Services, was working on Pakistan’s National Mental Health Policy 2026-35, which would provide a framework for a more accessible, equitable and rights-based approach to mental health.
He said the effective implementation of the policy, with a focus on tangible and measurable outcomes, remained a government priority.
He added that the government was working to strengthen early diagnosis and intervention and improve access to quality mental health services in collaboration with provincial governments and relevant stakeholders.
Under these efforts, mental health services were being integrated into primary healthcare facilities, educational institutions and community-based platforms to expand access to care.
The prime minister said children, young people, women and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups required particular attention. He also stressed the need to consider the mental health needs of communities affected by poverty, displacement, emergencies and the adverse impacts of climate change.
He called for sustained collective efforts by governments, educational institutions, families, civil society, mental health professionals and development partners to ensure effective treatment, care and rehabilitation for people experiencing mental health conditions.
On the occasion, the prime minister urged citizens to contribute towards building a society where people could speak openly about mental health without fear, stigma or embarrassment, and where everyone had the opportunity and support to lead a healthy, active and fulfilling life.
