Islamabad, The Department of Psychology at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in collaboration with the Rehmat Foundation, Michigan, USA, hosted a symposium on Mental Health Education, emphasizing the critical importance of mental health awareness across all societal segments, especially the youth. The event, held at the Auditorium of Hazrat Fatima Block, Female Campus-IIUI, aimed to initiate a comprehensive dialogue on mental health issues through seminars, workshops, and roundtable discussions.
According to International Islamic University Islamabad, the symposium featured notable speakers including Dr. Ghulam Qadir, founder of Rehmat Foundation, Dr. Huda Zenati, psychotherapist and co-founder of Rehmat Foundation, Dr. Saba Syed, MD, a member of Rehmat Foundation, and Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at IIUI. They stressed the intertwined nature of mental and physical health, advocating for a holistic approach to well-being that adheres to the universal adage: there is no health without mental health.
Dr. Qadir shared insights from his research in the USA and Pakistan, outlining strategies for improving mental health and overall quality of life. Dr. Zenati’s presentation highlighted the global impact of mental health issues, offering solutions for individual and societal well-being. Dr. Syed presented demographic surveys and research findings on mental health conditions in various age groups in the USA and specific regions in Pakistan.
The seminar underscored IIUI’s commitment, in partnership with the Rehmat Foundation, to enhancing mental health education through a series of educational events. This collaboration seeks to equip students and the wider community with the knowledge and tools necessary to address mental health challenges effectively.
Dr. Nazia Iqbal, Chairperson of the Department of Psychology, concluded the seminar with gratitude towards the Rehmat Foundation for its support in advancing mental health education within Pakistan’s educational institutions.