Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari marked World Mental Health Day by issuing a message that underscores the importance of listening to individuals with lived experiences of mental health challenges. His statement calls for these experiences to shape policies and decisions impacting their lives, aligning with the theme of the day, "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change."

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari expressed his greetings and best wishes to the people of Pakistan, with a particular focus on individuals living with mental health conditions, their families, caregivers, and professionals in the field. He highlighted mental health as a key component of overall health, human dignity, and national development, advocating for a society where mental health support is free from stigma and discrimination and where services are both accessible and affordable.

President Zardari acknowledged the contributions of health professionals, civil society organizations, and communities in enhancing mental health services and promoting their integration into primary healthcare and broader social development initiatives. He emphasized the need for mental health commitment across all societal segments, including children, youth, women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable populations.

He concluded by urging stakeholders to advance beyond awareness towards meaningful actions that include listening to those with lived experiences, combating stigma, and strengthening community-based services. President Zardari called for mental health to remain a crucial element of universal health coverage and national development, fostering a Pakistan where every individual is valued and mental health is recognized as essential to the well-being of the population.