21/09/2026
*Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists( PACP) Contributes to the National Mental Health Policy Development Process (2027–2036)*
_A Landmark Journey Towards a National Mental Health Policy for Pakistan_
*The Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists (PACP)* takes pride in being part of the national consultative journey towards the development of Pakistan’s National Mental Health Policy, a landmark process aimed at establishing a coordinated, comprehensive and sustainable mental health framework for the country.
The policy development process has been led by the *Federal Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (NHSR&C) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF* and Provincial Health Departments, with participation from key mental health professionals, policymakers, academics and stakeholders.
🔹 *Inception Meeting – August 2026*
The journey began with the Inception Meeting for the Development of the National Mental Health Policy (2027–2036). *The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of State for NHSR&C* and convened by the Deputy Director, NHSR&C, with participation from WHO, UNICEF and Provincial Health Departments.
Representing *PACP, Prof. Dr. Uzma Masroor,* President Federal Chapter, PACP, and *Ms. Aqila Unbrin* , Principal Clinical Psychologist, PIMH, participated in the online inception meeting and contributed the perspective of clinical psychology to this important national process.
🔹 *National Consultation – Islamabad, 1–2 September 2026*
The next major step was the _National Consultation on the Mental Health Policy Framework 2026–2036, held in Islamabad on 1–2 September 2026,_ under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of NHSR&C, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF and Provincial Health Departments.
*Prof. Dr. Uzma Masroor* and **Ms. Aqila Unbrin* Principal Clinical Psychologist again contributed significantly to the federal-level deliberations and development of the initial policy framework, bringing forward key perspectives related to the role, development and integration of clinical psychology within Pakistan’s mental health system.
🔹 *Punjab Provincial Consultation – Lahore* *19th September 2026*
The consultation process subsequently moved to the provincial level. **A Provincial Consultative Meeting on the National Mental Health Policy Framework 2026–2035 was held at King Edward Medical University** (KEMU), Lahore, with *Provincial Minister for Health, Punjab, Khawaja Salman Rafique,* as Chief Guest.
*Representing PACP* at this important provincial consultation were *Prof. Dr. Saima Dawood* , Director, Centre for Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab & General Secretary, PACP, and *Ms. Aqila Unbrin,* Principal Clinical Psychologist, PIMH.
The *Lahore consultation* brought together senior policymakers, government officials, mental health professionals, academics, faculty from teaching hospitals and representatives of key partner organizations to deliberate on the mental health priorities of Punjab and their integration within the national framework.
Throughout this journey, *PACP* has contributed perspectives on important areas of clinical psychology, including professional recognition and standards, mechanisms for licensing/registration, structured and competency-based supervised clinical training in accordance with international standards, psychological services, prevention, rehabilitation and the meaningful integration of clinical psychologists within the mental healthcare system.
*PACP’s participation* from the *National Inception stage, through federal-level policy consultation, to provincial consultation in Punjab* represents a significant professional contribution to this historic policy development process.
_A Proud Moment for Clinical Psychology and Pakistan_
*PACP congratulates the Federal Ministry of NHSR&C, WHO, UNICEF, Provincial Health Departments and all participating stakeholders for advancing this important national process.*
This is more than a policy document—it is an opportunity to establish a stronger, more accessible, professionally integrated and people-centred mental health system for Pakistan.
**A national vision taking shape.*
*A profession contributing its voice* .*
A collective commitment towards a mentally healthier Pakistan. 🇵🇰🧠
*Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists (PACP)*
*_Advancing Clinical Psychology • Strengthening Mental Healthcare • Serving Pakistan_*