KARACHI, Feb 25 (APP):The University of Karachi (KU) and the Ishrat Hussain Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote mental health on the campus, in a signing ceremony held at the Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat here.
The MoU was signed by the KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi and PILL’s Director of Communication, Dr Muhammad Akram Sultan.
The purpose of this partnership is to establish a modern Research Center of Excellence that effectively addresses the mental, emotional, educational, and diagnostic needs of adolescents with special needs.
As per the MoU, the center will provide facilities aligned with contemporary requirements. The Diagnostic and Clinical Room will be dedicated to clinical assessments, one-on-one therapy sessions, and evidence-based intervention programs, where experts will conduct comprehensive evaluations and provide guidance for adolescents with special needs.
The Research and Innovation Room will be designated for data analysis, joint research projects, and practical training of interns. As part of this collaboration, two PhD and four MPhil research projects will be jointly completed, strengthening research quality and professional skills.
The agreement also includes the regular organization of academic conferences, seminars, and professional sessions to encourage the exchange of research, experiences, and practical expertise.
On this occasion, Dr Muhammad Akram Sultan shared that PILL is a non-profit organization working for the last 23 years, and its mission is to improve the health and well-being of people with an emphasis on mental health difficulties. He mentioned that PILL’s focus is on gathering local evidence to inform health and social care policy.
He observed that partnership will be regarded as a significant step toward comprehensive support for teenagers and youngsters with special needs, with the potential to create positive and lasting impacts on society through quality initiatives in research, diagnostics, and training.
The KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Khalid Iraqi, said that, unfortunately, society is not yet ready to accept the reality of the importance of mental health, and it is usually ignored to avoid acknowledging that there may be a serious problem that requires professional attention.
He emphasized that such issues must be checked by experts so that individuals can receive regular and proper treatment, as delays or neglect in treatment ultimately make people pay a heavy price.
On this occasion, the KU Registrar Professor Dr Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, MoU focal person Professor Dr Zi Asma Haneef Khan, Director of Public Mental Health at PILL Dr Shaista Ali Siddiqui, the KU Consultant Cardiologist Dr Akmal Waheed, among others, were also present.