Ayesha Omar calls for greater mental health support in Pakistan

Pakistani actor Ayesha Omar has called for greater access to mental health services in Pakistan following reports of a disturbing incident involving the alleged desecration of graves in Peshawar.

The actor addressed the issue through an Instagram Story, where she shared a report about the case and used the incident to highlight the growing need for psychological support and emotional wellbeing in society. She stressed that mental health should receive more attention and that professional help should be easily available to people dealing with trauma and emotional difficulties.

Omar said that people across Pakistan could benefit from psychiatric and psychological support at different levels. She also included herself in the discussion, referring to the impact of personal trauma and difficult experiences on her own emotional wellbeing.

The actor further suggested that mental health professionals should have a stronger presence in educational institutions and workplaces. According to her, schools, colleges and offices should provide access to qualified experts who can help people deal with stress, emotional struggles and psychological trauma.

Her remarks came after police in Peshawar reportedly arrested a 19-year-old Afghan national in connection with a disturbing case involving a graveyard in the Shaikhan area. Authorities alleged that the young man was caught while exhuming the body of a deceased girl.

Police also reportedly claimed that the suspect had previously dug up several other graves containing the bodies of girls. The investigation into the case was continuing, with authorities working to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents.

The disturbing nature of the reports triggered concern and condemnation on social media. However, Omar’s response focused on another aspect of the issue: the importance of understanding mental health and ensuring that people have access to professional support before emotional and psychological problems become more serious.

She argued that mental health services should not be treated as a luxury. Instead, she called for psychological support to become a more accessible part of everyday life, particularly in places where people spend significant amounts of time, such as schools, colleges and workplaces.

Omar has previously spoken about emotional wellbeing and the importance of recognising psychological struggles. She has discussed the need to acknowledge emotional vulnerability rather than ignoring difficult feelings or experiences.

The actor has also been open about her own struggles with stress and overthinking. In previous conversations about her personal experiences, she has described healing as a gradual process and spoken about the importance of learning from difficult experiences.

Her latest comments have once again placed mental health at the centre of public discussion. While the Peshawar case remains a matter for law enforcement and investigation, Omar’s remarks have encouraged wider conversation about the availability of psychological services in Pakistan.

Mental health professionals can play an important role in helping individuals manage trauma, anxiety, stress and other emotional challenges. Making such services available in schools, universities and workplaces could also help people seek support in environments they already know and trust.

The discussion also highlights the broader need to reduce the stigma surrounding mental healthcare. Many people may struggle with emotional problems without seeking professional assistance because of social pressure, lack of awareness or limited access to qualified professionals.

Omar’s comments have therefore opened a wider conversation about how mental health support could become a more regular and accessible part of society, rather than something people turn to only after experiencing a serious crisis.