KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has called upon the government to launch a sustained national awareness campaign to combat stigma and promote mental health across the country.
In a statement, PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro emphasized that no policy can succeed unless the barrier of stigma is overcome. He urged the government to utilize television, radio, and social media platforms, engaging respected community and religious leaders to normalize seeking help for mental distress.
The PMA also appealed for strict enforcement of the Mental Health Act, to protect the rights of individuals with mental illness and to eliminate discrimination in employment, education, and access to care.
Dr. Shoro said that investing in mental health is an investment in national security and economic recovery, as a mentally healthy population is more resilient, productive, and capable of rebuilding after crises.
The association expressed readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of National Health Services, provincial health departments, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to develop and implement the necessary reforms.
“For the millions of Pakistanis struggling in the wake of crises, access to a helping hand and a healing voice is not negotiable — it is their right,” the statement concluded.
