PM Shehbaz calls for stigma-free society, highlights National Mental Health Policy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to mental health services, tackling social stigma and ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.

In his message on World Mental Health Day, observed on Oct 10, the prime minister said mental health was fundamental to overall well-being, stressing that there could be no health without mental health.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” he emphasised the importance of listening to people experiencing mental health conditions and incorporating their perspectives into policies, services and decisions affecting their lives.

Meaningful participation by affected individuals, alongside expert input, was essential to developing effective strategies and strengthening mental health systems, he said.

The prime minister said mental health went beyond the prevention and treatment of mental health conditions and was integral to the healthy development of young people, enabling them to realise their full potential.

He called for recognition of the challenges young people faced in developing their personalities, nurturing their abilities and achieving intellectual and emotional growth. Addressing these challenges would help harness the country’s human resources and channel their capabilities towards national development and prosperity, he added.

PM Shehbaz stressed that the identification and treatment of mental health conditions should receive the same acceptance as physical illnesses at individual, family and societal levels.

A supportive, non-judgmental environment was necessary to encourage people to seek timely treatment and focus on recovery without fear of stigma or social pressure, he said.

Acknowledging that many people continued to face discrimination, delays in seeking treatment and barriers to essential support, he said the government was committed to challenging negative attitudes and removing obstacles that discouraged access to 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 to provide a framework for accessible, equitable and rights-based mental healthcare.

Effective implementation of the policy, with a focus on tangible and measurable outcomes, remained a government priority, he said.

PM added that efforts were under way, in collaboration with provincial governments and relevant stakeholders, to strengthen early diagnosis and intervention and improve access to quality mental health services.

As part of these efforts, services were being integrated into primary healthcare facilities, educational institutions and community-based platforms to reach more people.

The prime minister said children, young people, women and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups required particular attention. He also stressed the need to address the mental health needs of communities affected by poverty, displacement, emergencies and the adverse effects 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.

PM Shehbaz urged citizens to help build 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.

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