30/04/2026
Miss Amra Khan, Member of the Provincial Assembly, while addressing the press conference, emphasized the urgent need for an independent statutory regulatory body for Clinical Psychologists in Pakistan. She stated that such a body must be authorized to grant licensure exclusively to qualified Clinical Psychologists to ensure accountability and prevent unethical and unqualified practices. She further proposed that, until the establishment of a Pakistan Psychological Council, PACP may be granted the status of a provisional, government-recognized regulatory authority to oversee licensing and uphold professional standards.
The leadership of PACP, including Prof. Dr. Nashi Khan (President), Dr. Iram Bokharey (Vice President), and Prof. Dr. Saima Dawood (General Secretary), along with other Executive Members, expressed grave concern over the erosion of the dignity, credibility, and professional identity of Clinical Psychologists as a result of this letter.
The Association reiterated that only individuals holding accredited qualifications from HEC-recognized institutions such as PhD, MS/MPhil in Clinical Psychology, or an Advanced Diploma in Clinical Psychology (ADCP) should be authorized to practice, in strict compliance with ethical codes and supervised clinical training requirements.
PACP urgently calls upon PM&DC to immediately withdraw the contested letter and refrain from any actions that misrepresent or encroach upon the domain of Clinical Psychology. The Association further urges the Government of Pakistan and relevant stakeholders to initiate prompt legislative measures for the establishment of an autonomous Pakistan Psychological Council, in line with international best practices.
PACP remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding professional integrity, ensuring ethical clinical practice, and protecting the mental health rights and well-being of the public.