NA Speaker advocates raising public awareness of mental health
ISLAMABAD: Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has emphasised that mental health is fundamental to human well-being and the development of a healthy, harmonious and stable society.
He stressed that raising public awareness about mental health and eliminating the social stigma associated with psychological issues are pressing needs of the time. He expressed these views in his message on World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10.
The Speaker said that mental health challenges were not confined to any particular age group or segment of society, but could affect individuals across all ages and backgrounds. He noted that growing awareness of mental health issues, timely diagnosis and effective treatment had become increasingly important in the present era. He emphasised that mental health conditions should be recognised as significant health concerns rather than perceived as a sign of weakness.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq underscored the need to treat individuals experiencing psychological distress with compassion, respect and understanding rather than subjecting them to discrimination or social exclusion. He called for creating a supportive environment in which individuals could openly discuss their concerns and feel safe in seeking timely medical and psychological assistance.
He emphasised the importance of giving special attention to the mental health of children and young people, noting that their intellectual, emotional and social development was directly linked to the well-being of society. He urged families, educational institutions and communities to promote positive attitudes towards mental health and play an active role in supporting individuals facing psychological challenges.
The Speaker stressed that effective measures to address mental health challenges required coordinated efforts among the government, Parliament, relevant institutions, healthcare professionals and civil society. He highlighted the need for collective action to promote public awareness, improve access to quality medical and psychological services, and establish effective support systems for those in need.
The Speaker reaffirmed that Parliament would continue to play its constitutional and parliamentary role in promoting public welfare, ensuring social inclusion and safeguarding the fundamental rights of citizens.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026