ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has started technical engagements and expert input for its international event to be held in connection with World Mental Health Day in Islamabad.

The event, which will be held on October 1–2, will be attended by a large number of national and international health experts.

In this regard, a delegation led by Minister of State for National Health Services Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Malik held consultations with Professor Pamela Y. Collins and Professor Judith K. Bass of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to explore collaboration on strengthening Pakistan’s mental health system.

“The discussions focused on advancing Pakistan’s national mental health agenda and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage for Mental Health through evidence-based policy development, implementation science, workforce strengthening, and innovative service delivery approaches,” claimed a statement issued by the health ministry.

According to the statement, Dr Malik said: “Pakistan is committed to placing mental health at the centre of its health and development agenda. Through strong international partnerships, evidence-based policies, and investments in workforce and service delivery innovations, we aim to build a resilient, accessible and people-centred mental health system. We welcome collaboration with Johns Hopkins University and other global partners as we move toward the launch of Pakistan’s National Mental Health Policy and the achievement of Universal Health Coverage for Mental Health.”

The minister also formally invited Johns Hopkins leadership and collaborators to participate in the World Mental Health Day international event in Islamabad in October, which will serve as a global platform for the launch of Pakistan’s National Mental Health Policy and for advancing international dialogue on mental health systems strengthening.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2026