Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists PACP

Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists PACP Professional Registered Organization ||Promoting excellence in the field of CP || Est. 1987

Miss Amra Khan, Member of the Provincial Assembly, while addressing the press conference, emphasized the urgent need for...
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.



PACP   PM&DC Letter Misrepresenting the Scope of Clinical PsychologyThe Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists (...
30/04/2026

PACP PM&DC Letter Misrepresenting the Scope of Clinical Psychology

The Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists (PACP) convened a press conference today to formally and unequivocally condemn the recent letter issued by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) regarding the scope of practice, wherein Clinical Psychologists have been inappropriately included.
PACP categorically asserts that Clinical Psychology is an independent, highly specialized, and regulated profession with a clearly demarcated scope of practice, primarily involving non-invasive psychological assessment, diagnosis, counseling, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Clinical Psychologists neither prescribe medication nor engage in pharmacological or invasive medical procedures.
The Association strongly refutes any allegations linking Clinical Psychologists with invasive treatments, including those related to conditions such as HIV and Hepatitis. PACP unequivocally dissociates itself from any individual engaging in unethical or unauthorized practices, including the prescription of medication, and firmly condemns such actions.
The inclusion of Clinical Psychologists within the purview of PM&DC constitutes a fundamental misrepresentation of the discipline and undermines its professional autonomy, ethical framework, and internationally recognized standards of practice.
The Association categorically rejects any attempt to subsume Clinical Psychology under regulatory structures that do not align with its academic training, clinical competencies, and defined scope of practice. Such actions risk creating professional ambiguity, enabling malpractice, and compromising public trust in mental health services.


PACP Responds to PMDC Correspondence on Clinical PsychologyThe Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists (PACP) has...
28/04/2026

PACP Responds to PMDC Correspondence on Clinical Psychology

The Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists (PACP) has expressed serious concerns regarding a recent correspondence issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on April 21, 2026.
The PACP clarifies that Clinical Psychology is an autonomous, professional, and regulated field with its own distinct scope of practice. It is neither a medical nor a paramedical sub-sector, but a specialized discipline rooted in scientific psychological principles.

Key Highlights from the Statement:
Non-Invasive Expertise:
Clinical Psychologists are trained specifically in non-invasive methods, including psychological assessments, diagnostic testing, counseling, and evidence-based psychotherapies. They do not prescribe medication or perform surgical procedures.

Rigorous Qualifications:
In order to Practice, a Clinical Psychologist requires to have a specialized higher education, such as postmaster Advanced Diploma in Clinical Psychology, MS / MPhil, or PhD in Clinical Psychology, along with supervised rigours clinical training.

Ethics & Standards: PACP adheres to international ethical guidelines, including those set by the American Psychological Association (APA). The field was also officially notified as a regulated profession by the Punjab Government’s Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department in 2012.
Zero Tolerance for Malpractice: PACP strongly condemns any unethical behavior or practice by untrained individuals and disassociates itself from any "quackery" that misleads the public.

Protecting the Profession
The PACP leadership, including General Secretary Prof. Dr. Saima Dawood and Vice President Dr. Iram Bokharey emphasized that misrepresenting the field of Clinical Psychology creates confusion among stakeholders and risks damaging the reputation of this vital healthcare service.
We stand committed to providing ethical, scientific, and professional mental health support to the nation.

Kind Edward Medical College, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) in collaboration with P.A.C.P proudly pre...
05/11/2025

Kind Edward Medical College, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) in collaboration with P.A.C.P proudly presents the 1st International Child PsyCon 2025 a thought-provoking Panel Discussion on “Mental Well-Being in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” under the theme Healthy Minds, Bright Future.

The session will bring together leading psychologists, psychiatrists, and educationists including Mr. Max Babri, Mr. Nauman Qureshi, Prof. Dr. Nazish Imran, Prof. Dr. Savaira Shami, Prof. Dr. Rafia Rafique, Prof. Dr. Aisha Rasheed, Dr. Noor Ul Zaman, Mr. Arooj Samdani, Prof. Dr. Ivan Suneel, Prof. Dr. Nashi Khan, Prof. Dr. Sarah Shahed, and Dr. Abia Nazim to explore how technology is reshaping mental health and child development. Join us on 17th November 2025, 3:00–5:00 PM at Elahi Building, Room E025, FCCU Lahore for an engaging exchange of ideas on nurturing emotional well-being in the digital age.

On behalf of PACP, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you who joined us in the condolence meeting.This was...
25/08/2025

On behalf of PACP, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you who joined us in the condolence meeting.

This was indeed a deeply sad occasion, yet your presence and support brought strength and comfort. We are especially thankful to our friends and colleagues from the Health Department, Teaching Departments across Lahore, those who joined online from abroad, and the PPA Executives.

A special note of thanks to Dr. Humaira Naz and the CCP Team for always standing by us.
Ms. Wajeeha will always be remembered for her contributions, kindness, and the warmth she shared with everyone. May her soul rest in eternal peace. May you all be blessed for your kindness and solidarity. Ameen.

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَWith deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Ms. Waj...
09/08/2025

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Ms. Wajeeha Zahra.
Her dedication, compassion, and invaluable contributions to the field of clinical psychology will always be remembered.

A condolence meeting will be held to honor her memory:
📍 Centre for Clinical Psychology, New Building, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore
📅 Date: 12th August 2025
🕒 Time: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

The entire psychology community mourns this profound loss. May Allah grant her the highest place in Jannah and give patience to her family, friends, students, and colleagues.

You will always be missed!




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Centre For Clinical Psychology University Of The Punjab
Lahore

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