This unit has been set up to help establish an institutional framework and launch a coordinated effort to mainstream mental health as a national priority as envision in the National Economic Transformational Plan.









Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) service model is a digital, rights-based and scalable solution to address the critical gaps in existing mental healthcare and scale up MHPSS services in Pakistan. It aims to strengthen the existing mental healthcare system by utilizing evidence-based resources to build the capacity of a mental health workforce outside tertiary care hospitals; supervise this workforce to provide MHPSS services; establish a referral pathway; and collect relevant data.

February 10, 2026
The Mental Health Strategic Planning and Coordination Unit has identified research gaps in mental health as a key thematic area that needs attention. To address this, the Ministry has established a Technical Working Group as a dedicated advisory body. The TWG will provide expert guidance on strengthening the national mental health research ecosystem by defining key strategies for the next five years.
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February 3, 2026
The pilot implementation of Hamdard Force in Baltistan represents a significant milestone in expanding mental health services to remote and underserved communities. This initiative focuses on training community mental health workers to provide basic psychosocial support, identify individuals with mental health needs, and facilitate referrals to appropriate services.
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January 27, 2026
To integrate mental health services in community settings for promoting accessible, acceptable and scalable mental healthcare, Hamdard Force intervention is being piloted in two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In collaboration with the Department of Health, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a total of 396 members have been registered and trained as Hamdard Force to identify people with psychosocial needs, provide basic psychosocial support, and refer to the MHPSS services
Read moreComprehensive evidence-based printed and digital resources have been developed for MHPSS services in Pakistan. Through robust methodological frameworks, well-established international guidelines were contextualized, adapted and translated to achieve the objectives of MHPSS service.



Mental Health Strategic Planning & Coordination Unit Health Section Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives