Karachi, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood emphasized the critical need for increased awareness and treatment of psychological diseases during the opening session of the three-day international conference on ‘Mental Health and Rehabilitation: Innovation and Implementation’. The conference, organized by the Punjab University Centre for Clinical Psychology at Al Raazi Hall, aims to address the growing concerns surrounding mental wellbeing.
According to University of The Punjab, Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood in his address highlighted the role of psychologists and students in combating the rise of mental health issues. He urged these professionals to step forward in creating awareness and providing treatment for those suffering from various psychological conditions. Stressing on the impact of growing intolerance, anger, and violence in society, he acknowledged the potential of psychologists in mitigating these societal challenges.
The Vice Chancellor also praised the efforts of the PU Centre for Clinical Psychology (CCP) for organizing the event, noting that such conferences provide a valuable platform for students to learn from experts and stay abreast of new trends and research in the field.
Prof Dr. Saima Dawood, Director of CCP, expressed her gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, former directors, presenters, and keynote speakers of the conference. She outlined the conference’s extensive agenda, which includes 7 symposiums, 5 keynote addresses, 2 panel discussions, and 11 scientific sessions with 120 oral and poster presentations by mental health practitioners including clinical psychologists and psychiatrists.
Keynote addresses were delivered by esteemed professionals from various international institutions, including Dr. Jenifer Murphy from the University of London, Prof Dr. Uday K. Sinha from the Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences in Delhi, Dr. Nimisha Muttah from the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka, and Prof Dr. Ghazala Rehman, a visiting researcher at the University of Surrey, UK.
The conference also featured a message from Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission Prof Dr. Shahid Munir, further underlining the importance of the event in promoting mental health awareness and rehabilitation practices.