ICCI-Lions Club observe World Mental Health Day

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Mental health is as important as physical health, and by raising awareness, we can reduce stigma, encourage open conversations, and support those in need.This was stated by former Federal Minister and former Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women, Senator Nelofar Bakhtiar, while presiding over an awareness session on mental health organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) in collaboration with the Islamabad Founder Lions Club, in connection with World Mental Health Day here on Saturday.
Senator Nelofar Bakhtiar said that World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health. Highlighting this year’s theme — “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” — she emphasized the urgent need to strengthen mental health support systems, particularly during global and personal crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, pandemics, and emergencies.
She urged all stakeholders including government officials, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to work collectively to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support they need. She also lauded ICCI’s initiative for hosting such an important awareness session and expressed hope that the Chamber would continue holding similar events in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that mental health touches every home, every family, and every workplace, yet it remains clouded by silence and stigma. He remarked that a healthy mind is not just a personal asset, it is a business and national asset.
He stressed the need to promote counseling and support networks in schools, workplaces, and communities, and to advocate for mental health policies with the same urgency as economic reforms. “A society cannot prosper if its people are burdened with stress, depression, or anxiety in isolation,” he added.
Chief Guest and District Governor, Lions Clubs International, Dr. Arif Masood, commended the experts for effectively delivering their message and thanked ICCI President for organizing the session. He announced that Lions Clubs would continue to observe Mental Health Week from October 4–11, recognizing its importance for a healthy and productive society.
Dr. Masood highlighted common mental health challenges such as phobias, anxiety, and depression, stressing the collective responsibility to support those suffering from mental health issues and eliminate stigma for the betterment of society.
Experts who shared their insights included Lt. Col. (R) Masood Khokhar, Dr. Tahira Sadiq, Dr. Shazia Shahzadi, Nadya Nadeem Alvi, and Vice Governor Mohammad Salim. President Islamabad Founder Lions Club and ICCI Executive Member Najeeb Ellahi Malik, and Senior Vice President ICCI Tahir Ayub also addressed the gathering, while former SVP ICCI Naveed Malik efficiently conducted the proceedings as stage secretary.
The session was attended by ICCI Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry, former Presidents Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi, Sheikh Amir Waheed, Basir Daood, Council Member Chaudhry Masood, and Executive Members Sanaullah Khan, Zulqarnain Abbasi, Ishaq Sial, Ms. Fatima Azim, among others.