Pakistan to host global mental health summit 2026 on Oct 1 and 2 in Islamabad
Pakistan will host the Global Mental Health Summit 2026 on October 1 and 2 in Islamabad, with national and international experts, policymakers and relevant stakeholders expected to participate, reported 24NewsHD TV.
The two-day summit will be held in connection with World Mental Health Day 2026, with the central theme focusing on strengthening mental health systems to address future challenges. The event will bring together representatives of federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, United Nations partner organizations, academia, civil society and people with lived experience of mental health conditions.
The summit will be held under the supervision of Minister of State for Health Dr Mukhtar Bharath, who said Pakistan faces a significant burden of mental, neurological and substance-use disorders.
According to the minister, limited resources and fragmented services have resulted in mental health facilities being largely concentrated in major urban centers. An estimated 10 to 16 percent of adults experience mild to moderate psychological problems, while around 1 to 2 percent are affected by severe mental illnesses.
Dr Bharath said more than 80 percent of people with mental health conditions remain without regular treatment each year, while Pakistan has around 500 psychiatrists and 200 clinical psychologists for a population of more than 240 million.
He also highlighted the growing impact of climate change and natural disasters on mental health. Referring to the 2022 floods, he said around 3 million people were affected, adding that the psychological consequences of disasters can continue long after floodwaters recede.
Preliminary assessments have indicated symptoms of depression in around 38 percent and anxiety in 20 percent of affected populations, while one in five people in flood-affected areas may require mental health services, according to the minister.
The summit will discuss child and adolescent mental health, suicide prevention, substance use, digital mental health, innovation and climate-related mental health challenges.
A regional analytical report on the mental health of children and adolescents in South Asia is also expected to be launched on the occasion.
The Ministry of National Health Services is working with provinces and territories on the National Mental Health Policy 2026–35, aimed at translating national priorities into practical measures at provincial and regional levels.
The summit is also expected to provide a platform for strengthening collaboration with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, academic institutions and development partners, while promoting partnerships and investment involving Pakistani diaspora organizations and welfare institutions.
An Islamabad Declaration on Mental Health is expected to be adopted, focusing on integrating mental health into primary healthcare, schools and disaster management systems.
Dr Bharath said the summit's objective is not limited to preparing a document but to strengthen commitment towards practical action, including financing, trained human resources, wider access to services and regular monitoring of progress.
The summit will also focus on making mental health services equitable, community-based and resilient to climate-related risks, while promoting meaningful participation of people with lived experience in policymaking and service planning.