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Pakistan's Mental Health Crisis: Urgent Action Needed Now

11/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Pakistan faces a severe mental health crisis driven by political instability, economic hardship, and social injustice.
Campaigns to raise awareness and reduce stigma have emerged.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 13,000–20,000 suicides annually in Pakistan, primarily among youth.
Mental health remains absent from national disaster response plans.
Less than 0.5% of the health budget is allocated to mental health.

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Story summary

Pakistan faces a severe mental health crisis driven by political instability, economic hardship, and social injustice.
Campaigns to raise awareness and reduce stigma have emerged.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 13,000–20,000 suicides annually in Pakistan, primarily among youth.
Mental health remains absent from national disaster response plans.
Less than 0.5% of the health budget is allocated to mental health.