A groundbreaking symposium, “Empowering Minds – Shaping Mental Health,” unfolded today at the Ramada Hotel in Islamabad, orchestrated by the Pakistan Health Parliament. This event drew together luminaries, experts, and stakeholders to delve into the pressing matter of mental health in Pakistan.
Kicking off with a cordial reception and guest sign-up, the symposium proceeded with a recitation of the Holy Quran and the National Anthem. Sikandar Zaman, the Founder of Pakistan Health Parliament, set the tone with a warm welcome, highlighting the significance of the symposium.
Key speakers, including Dr. Aftab Alam Khan, Chairperson of the Mental Health Council, who delved into the vital topic of perinatal mental health and spoke about current mental health challenges faced by Pakistan.
Dr. Nadeem ul Haque, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development of Economics, shed light on economic-induced mental health issues, while Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of the National Health Services Academy, and Brig (R) Rashid Qayyum, Head of Psychiatry at PAF Islamabad/Fazaia Medical College, provided insights into public health and the broader challenges in mental health, respectively.
Dr. Sabahat Hameed, Co-Chairperson of the Mental Health Council, took the stage to address the critical subject of youth mental health. The symposium concluded with an engaging panel discussion chaired by Prof Salma Siddiqui, featuring a dipstick study on economic-induced mental health issues by Dr. Yasir Masood Afaq, Member of the Mental Health Council.
A collaborative atmosphere prevailed as all members of the Mental Health Council actively participated in the panel, fostering discussions and strategies to tackle the intricate landscape of mental health in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Health Parliament is a dynamic platform dedicated to addressing and advocating for health-related issues in Pakistan. Comprising experts, professionals, and stakeholders, the parliament is instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives to enhance the healthcare landscape in the country.
The symposium successfully united media representatives, stakeholders, and the public to address the multifaceted challenges of mental health in Pakistan. The Pakistan Health Parliament reaffirms its commitment to advocacy, striving to shape policies for a healthier nation.
