The Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi Medical University, commemorated World Mental Health Day 2026 on October 10, 2026, under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” emphasizing the importance of integrating lived experiences into mental healthcare services, research and policymaking.
Under the leadership of Prof. Maj. Gen (R) M. Suhail Amin, H.I (M), Vice Chancellor, Rawalpindi Medical University, the Institute of Psychiatry organized a symposium and Professor Dr. Asad Tamizuddin Nizami, Chairman of the Institute of Psychiatry and Dean Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan invited eminent international and national speakers from diverse backgrounds to share their perspectives.
The symposium featured messages from international mental health leaders. Dr. Mark van Ommeren, Head of Mental Health, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, emphasizing that professionals cannot fully appreciate the importance of mental illness without listening to individuals with lived experiences. Prof. Dr. Thomas G. Schulze, President of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), commended Pakistan’s mental health community for achieving meaningful change despite limited resources. Dr. Narantuya Jadambaa, Cluster Lead, WHO Country Office in Pakistan, appreciated the Institute of Psychiatry towards improving access to community mental healthcare. Prof. Dr. Waqar Azeem, Professor and Chair of Psychiatry at Sidra Medicine, Qatar, highlighted leadership, stakeholder engagement and advocacy by individuals with lived experiences as essential elements of systemic change. Prof. Dr. Wajid Ali Akhunzada, President of the Pakistan Psychiatric Society, emphasized that patients traveling long distances to seek psychiatric care have stories that deserve to be heard.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Prof. Maj Gen (R) M. Suhail Amin, H.I (M), emphasized that the suffering of individuals with mental health conditions cannot be fully understood without engaging directly with patients and communities. Building on the theme of lived experiences, Professor Dr. Asad Tamizuddin Nizami, Chairman of the Institute of Psychiatry, highlighted the Institute’s commitment to addressing the lived experiences of patient’s and translating it to a real change in the mental health care system at the Institute of Psychiatry over the last 52 years. Dr Sharjeel Ahmed, Medical Superintendent of Benazir Bhutto Hospital also addressed the gathering, highlighting the stigma surrounding mental illness and emphasizing the importance of raising awareness.
The symposium also featured discussions on translating lived experiences into policy, research, and practice. Dr. Syed Usman Hamdani, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Founding Director of the Global Institute of Human Development, discussed incorporating these experiences into Pakistan’s National Mental Health Policy. Dr. Faiza Aslam, Visiting Research Fellow, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, shared her experience building research teams and engaging patients through community advisory panels. At the same time, Dr. Huma Nazir, Director of the Mental Health Human Services Foundation, highlighted the importance of translating intervention research into practical mental healthcare services.
The event concluded with a mental health awareness walk led by the Vice Chancellor, Chairman Institute of Psychiatry, faculty members, postgraduate residents, researchers and allied mental health, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening mental healthcare in Pakistan.