Kamal urges coordinated response to mental health issues

ISLAMABAD, Oct 01 (APP): Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has called for urgent and coordinated action to address Pakistan’s growing mental health issues.

Addressing the Global Mental Health Summit 2026, the minister said the situation had become highly concerning and required immediate attention and a comprehensive national response.

“Mental health is not only a matter for the Ministry of Health. All ministries have to play their role in addressing this challenge,” he said.

Mustafa Kamal stressed that efforts to promote mental health were required at every level, from counsellors and healthcare professionals to policymakers, with greater emphasis on awareness, prevention and access to support.

He said the country needed to focus on creating safe, healthy and liveable environments, adding that ensuring such conditions was a shared responsibility of government institutions and society.

The minister said addressing mental health challenges required a broader approach that went beyond treatment and included prevention, early support and greater public awareness.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening mental health services and ensuring that people had access to appropriate support regardless of where they lived.

The minister also launched National Mental Health Policy at the Global Mental Health Summit.

The two-day summit brings together policymakers, health professionals, mental health experts and development partners to discuss challenges and strategies for strengthening mental health services and support systems in Pakistan.