ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for meaningful action to address mental health challenges, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and ensure accessible and affordable mental health services across the country.
In his message on World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, the President stressed the importance of listening to people with lived experience of mental health conditions and incorporating their perspectives into policies, healthcare services, and decisions affecting their lives.
The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” highlights the need to give people experiencing mental health challenges a voice in shaping policies and services, he said.
President Zardari said mental health was an integral part of overall health, human dignity and national development.
He emphasised the need to build a society where people could seek mental health support without fear of stigma or discrimination and have access to quality and affordable services.
The president appreciated the contributions of healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, development partners, communities and families in strengthening mental health services. He also underscored the importance of integrating mental health into primary healthcare and broader health and social development initiatives.
He said mental health support must reach all segments of society, particularly children and young people, women, persons with disabilities, vulnerable populations and those affected by emergencies and adversity.
Calling upon all stakeholders to move beyond awareness towards practical measures, President Zardari urged them to listen to people with lived experience, combat stigma and discrimination, strengthen community-based mental health services and ensure that mental health remains an integral part of universal health coverage and national development.
The president expressed the hope for a Pakistan where every individual was heard, valued and treated with dignity, with mental health recognised as an essential component of the health and well-being of the people.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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