Pakistan will host the Global Mental Health Summit 2026 in Islamabad on October 1 and 2, bringing together national and international experts, policymakers and stakeholders. The two-day event will coincide with World Mental Health Day 2026 and focus on strengthening mental health systems to address future challenges.
Representatives from federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, United Nations partner organizations, academia, civil society and people with lived experience of mental health conditions are expected to participate in the summit.
Summit to Address Growing Mental Health Challenges
The summit will be held under the supervision of Minister of State for Health Dr Mukhtar Bharath. He said Pakistan continues to face a significant burden of mental, neurological and substance-use disorders, while limited resources have restricted access to mental health services.
According to the minister, an estimated 10 to 16 percent of adults experience mild to moderate psychological problems, while 1 to 2 percent face severe mental illnesses. He added that more than 80 percent of people with mental health conditions do not receive regular treatment each year.
Dr Bharath noted that Pakistan currently has around 500 psychiatrists and 200 clinical psychologists serving a population of more than 240 million. He also highlighted the growing mental health impact of climate change and natural disasters.
Islamabad Declaration Expected
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 report on the mental health of children and adolescents in South Asia is also expected to be launched.
Participants are expected to adopt an Islamabad Declaration on Mental Health, focusing on integrating mental health into primary healthcare, schools and disaster management systems. The summit will also promote partnerships, investment and practical actions aimed at improving mental health services nationwide.
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