An estimated 50 million people in Pakistan experience mental health issues, while approximately one in four people will be affected during their lifetime. Despite the scale of the need, around 90% of those requiring treatment cannot access appropriate support.
King Charles’ charity, Halal supplier firm partner to boost mental health support in Pakistan
LONDON, Sep 25 (APP): King Charles’ charity, the British Asian Trust, has launched a landmark partnership with the UK and Europe’s biggest halal meat supplier to support its work transforming mental health awareness, services and access to care across Pakistan.
The partnership was marked by Asif Rangoonwala CBE, Vice-Chair of the British Asian Trust, and Tariq Sheikh, Founder and Chairman of Tariq Halal Meats, at Rangoonwala’s office.
The event was attended by various representatives of the King’s charity, as well as senior executives and Tariq Sheikh’s daughter, Thaira Sheikh, reflecting a shared commitment to tackling one of Pakistan’s most urgent yet under-recognised health challenges.
An estimated 50 million people in Pakistan experience mental health issues, while approximately one in four people will be affected during their lifetime. Despite the scale of the need, around 90% of those requiring treatment cannot access appropriate support.
According to the deal announced, through the partnership, Tariq Halal Meats will use its more than 40 branches, digital platforms and relationships with customers, suppliers and British Asian communities to raise awareness, encourage open conversations and generate donations for the British Asian Trust’s mental health work in Pakistan.
Founded in 2007 by King Charles III and a group of British Asian business leaders, the Trust has worked to improve mental health awareness and services in Pakistan for more than a decade.
Asif Rangoonwala CBE, Vice-Chair of the British Asian Trust, said: “Some of the most difficult problems are not the ones we cannot see solutions to, but the ones people are still afraid to talk about. Mental health in Pakistan is one of those challenges. This partnership is powerful because Tariq Halal Meats has something charities spend years trying to build: trust, familiarity and daily contact with communities.”
Tariq Sheikh, Founder and Chairman of Tariq Halal Meats, said, “Mental health cannot be helped through silence. Too many people are struggling without access to care or are afraid to ask for help because of stigma. Through this partnership, we want to use that reach to start conversations, raise meaningful funds and help more people receive support with dignity.”
Hitan Mehta OBE, Chief Executive of the British Asian Trust, said that millions of people are affected, yet stigma, low awareness and limited access to services prevent far too many from receiving support. The THM has built a trusted relationship with British Asian communities, and can help bring mental health into everyday conversations, inspire meaningful support and help more people access the care they need.
Tariq Sheikh said that his business had previously focused on personal philanthropy, including supporting eye camps, installing water pumps, helping to build and maintain mosques, providing food for families experiencing poverty and enabling individuals to undertake the religious pilgrimages of Umrah and Hajj.
