Ahsan Iqbal Stresses Importance of Mental Well-Being for National Progress
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, highlighted the pivotal role of mental well-being in a nation’s development while addressing an international conference on mental health on Thursday.
“Any nation’s progress hinges on its citizens’ mental well-being,” the minister remarked, emphasizing that nations, like individuals, possess mental health that influences their success or failure. He noted that when a nation’s self-esteem is wounded, it risks succumbing to societal depression.
Citing data from the digital census, Ahsan Iqbal underscored Pakistan’s exponential population growth and the concurrent rise in diseases, calling for increased attention to both physical and mental health. With a population of 240 million, the minister highlighted the dire shortage of psychiatrists, with only 900 professionals available nationwide, and stressed the urgent need to expand mental health resources.
The minister expressed concern over the promotion of negative attitudes in politics and society, warning that extremism and prejudice pose significant dangers to the country. He urged collective efforts to foster positivity, eliminate hate, and improve societal attitudes to build a prosperous future for Pakistan.
Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged the profound mental health impact of challenges such as terrorism, economic instability, and natural disasters on the population. He called for prioritizing peace, political stability, and policy reforms to address these issues effectively.
Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, the ‘Udaan Pakistan’ initiative has been launched, focusing on advancing agriculture, industry, and IT sectors to drive national progress. The minister stressed the importance of unity and economic milestones to secure a brighter future.
He announced that work on the National Mental Health Policy will commence soon, with a draft policy set to be approved and implemented promptly, signaling a commitment to addressing the nation’s mental health challenges.
