Mental Health Crisis Deepens in Pakistan: Over 1,000 Suicides Reported Last Year

**ISLAMABAD (Qudrat News):** A recent mental health conference has revealed alarming statistics about the growing psychological health crisis in Pakistan, with **10 percent of the population addicted to drugs** and **around 1,000 people committing suicide in the past year** due to severe mental stress.

The **26th International Conference on Mental Health** was held in **Karachi**, where experts highlighted the rapid rise in mental health disorders across the country.

Professor **Muhammad Iqbal Afridi**, chairman of the conference’s scientific committee, told *The Express Tribune* that **one in three thousand Pakistanis (34%)** suffers from some form of psychiatric illness, compared to **one in five people globally**.

He noted that **depression is particularly common among women**, primarily due to lack of social recognition and domestic conflicts. Among the youth, drug use—especially **crystal meth (“ice”)**—has become a major cause of mental health deterioration.

Professor Afridi also pointed to recurring **natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods**, as well as **terrorism**, as significant contributors to rising psychological distress.

Meanwhile, **Pakistan Psychiatric Society President Professor Wajid Ali Akhundzada** stated that **one in four young people** and **one in five children** in Pakistan suffer from mental health issues. He added that **2.5 million people** are living with diagnosed psychiatric disorders, impacting millions of families nationwide.

He further revealed that while **the World Health Organization recommends one psychiatrist per 10,000 people**, Pakistan currently has only **90 psychiatrists** for its **240 million population**—a ratio of **one psychiatrist for every 500,000 people**, which he described as “grossly inadequate.”

Experts including **Dr. Afzal Javed** said that economic instability, natural disasters, unemployment, and border tensions have all deepened the nation’s mental health crisis, particularly among youth who now express growing hopelessness about the future.

Speakers urged the government to adopt a **comprehensive national strategy** to address mental health issues, improve psychiatric care, and promote social well-being.

They also noted that **Pakistan’s forest cover is only 4 percent**, a figure contributing to **climate change and environmental stress**, which further aggravates mental health challenges.