The Ministry of Health has begun preparations for Pakistan’s Global Mental Health Summit, which will take place on October 1 and 2 as part of activities linked to World Mental Health Day.
The summit will focus on the theme “Building Climate-Resilient and Future-Ready Mental Health Systems for Children, Young People and Communities” and will be organised with support from leading development partners.
Pakistan Faces Growing Mental Health Care Gap
The Ministry of Health said Pakistan continues to face a substantial burden of mental, neurological and substance use disorders, while available mental health services remain fragmented and lack adequate resources.
According to ministry estimates, around 10 to 16 percent of adults experience mild-to-moderate psychiatric conditions, while another 1 to 2 percent live with severe mental illness.
The ministry further estimates that 80 percent or more of people with a diagnosable mental illness do not receive formal care in a given year, highlighting the gap between the need for treatment and access to services.
Pakistan has a population of more than 240 million, but the country has only around 500 psychiatrists and 200 clinical psychologists. The shortage is particularly significant for younger patients, with only about 1 percent of psychiatric beds allocated for children and adolescents.
National Mental Health Policy Also Under Development
The government is currently working on the National Mental Health Policy 2026–35 in consultation with provinces and regions.
Officials expect the Global Mental Health Summit to support discussions around the policy and help identify ways to strengthen mental health services across the country.
The event will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss gaps in existing services and consider approaches that can improve access, particularly for children, young people and vulnerable communities.
Experts and Young People to Attend
The summit is expected to bring together a broad range of participants, including government officials, parliamentarians, United Nations partners, mental health professionals, academics, development organisations, young people, civil society representatives and people with lived experience.
The participation of people with direct experience of mental health challenges is intended to add a wider perspective to discussions on policy and service delivery.
Key Issues on Summit Agenda
Discussions will cover several areas of mental health policy and care, including child and adolescent mental health, suicide prevention, substance use and digital mental health services.
Participants will also examine innovation and the development of climate-resilient mental health systems capable of responding to emerging pressures on communities.
The Ministry of Health said the summit would contribute to efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s mental health response and help advance the development of a more coordinated national system.
