PESHAWAR: Prof Johar Ali, Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar, has stressed the need to produce more experts to expand services for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and growing mental health challenges in society.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Gandhara University on Sunday, he said CBT helped individuals overcome negative thinking patterns through various skills and techniques that promote positive thinking and improve emotional and behavioural responses.

He said that the University of Peshawar had been offering several courses to promote professional education and training in this field.

Gandhara University’s Vice Chancellor Prof Ejaz Hassan Khan said evidence-based psychological treatment programmes were essential for providing much-needed counselling to people and preventing development of serious mental health conditions.

He said all mental health issues deserved priority and that the university was preparing students to meet challenges in different areas of mental healthcare.

The event was organised by Bashir Psychiatry Hospital and Institute in collaboration with Gandhara University, said a press release.

Dr Ismail Qamar said the newly qualified graduates would apply their knowledge and skills to help people experiencing psychological difficulties by identifying the underlying causes of negative emotions and develop positive and realistic thinking patterns.

Psychiatrist Prof Bashir Ahmad said the diploma in the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programme and other training courses were aimed at equipping participants with professional CBT skills to improve patient care.

He said mental health conditions often went unreported, highlighting the need for more trained psychiatrists and improved mental healthcare services.

Prof Bashir, a former head of the Department of Psychiatry at Khyber Medical College, said continuous professional training was an essential feature of psychiatry, helping young graduates to enhance their skills in managing anxiety, stress and depression in society.

He emphasised the importance of developing effective coping strategies, building self-confidence and problem-solving skills, preventing relapse and maintaining psychological well-being to promote better mental health in society.

A total of 40 diplomas were awarded to successful graduates in the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programme. Five gold medals were also presented to outstanding graduates in recognition of their academic excellence and achievements.

The gold medal recipients were Dr Khalid (Session 2022), Faryal Fazal (Session 2023), Khadija Murad (Session 2023 – Specialist Edition), Muhammad Waseem (Session 2024) and Abeeha Arshad (Session 2025).

Prof Muadat Hussain Rana and Prof Khalid Mufti attended the ceremony as guests of honour.

The Best Teacher Award was presented to Ms Wafa Syed in recognition of her dedication, commitment and valuable contributions to teaching and professional training.

Graduates, their parents, faculty members and distinguished guests attended.

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2026