Driven by social, economic stressors, one in three Pakistanis suffer from psychological disorders

One in three people in Pakistan suffers from some form of psychological problem, experts revealed during the 26th International Conference on Mental Health, held in Karachi. The alarming figures highlight a growing mental health crisis driven by social, economic and environmental stressors.

Conference Scientific Committee Chairman Prof Muhammad Iqbal Afridi told The Express Tribune that 34 per cent of Pakistan’s population – one in three people – is affected by mental disorders, compared to one in five globally.

She said women are disproportionately affected, mainly due to domestic conflict and social inequality. “Women in Pakistan are often denied the respect and recognition they deserve, leading to increased levels of depression and anxiety,” she noted.

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Professor Afridi added that the use of drugs such as crystal methamphetamine (ice) and other addictive substances is fueling the rise in mental health problems among young people. He also pointed to recurring natural disasters – floods and earthquakes, along with terrorism and violence, as key factors causing psychological trauma to people.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Wajid Ali Akhundzada, President of the Pakistan Psychiatric Association, said: “One in four youth and one in five children in Pakistan suffer from some form of psychological illness.” It estimated that around 2.5 million people are affected by serious mental health conditions, often linked to economic hardship, political instability and disaster-related stress.

He also revealed that 10 percent of Pakistanis are addicted to drugs. It said about 1,000 people killed themselves last year due to mental distress.

Experts at the conference warned that the country is facing a severe shortage of mental health professionals. With a population of 240 million, Pakistan has only 90 qualified psychiatrists, while the World Health Organization recommends one psychiatrist per 10,000 people. Currently, there is about one psychiatrist for every 550,000 patients, a ratio described as “grossly inadequate”.

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Psychiatrist Dr Afzal Javed and other speakers said Pakistan’s economic instability, unemployment, recurring natural disasters and border tensions have contributed to widespread psychological distress, particularly among the youth. “Young people today feel hopeless and uncertain about their future,” said Dr Javed.

Experts have urged the government to adopt a comprehensive national mental health strategy to tackle the growing crisis. They also drew attention to environmental degradation, noting that Pakistan’s tree cover stands at only 4%, exacerbating climate change-related stress and anxiety among the population.