Staff Reporter
KARACHI: Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (Sitara-e-Imtiaz Military, Sitara-e-Basalat), has emphasised that mental health is as important as physical health. However, social stigma, misconceptions and negative attitudes often prevent people suffering from psychiatric disorders from seeking timely medical treatment. He stressed that collective support from all segments of society is essential for their treatment, rehabilitation and dignified reintegration into society.
He expressed these views while addressing a special ceremony organised by Karwan-e-Hayat to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of its donors, supporters, medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and welfare organisations for their continued support of mental healthcare and rehabilitation services.
Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed appreciated Karwan-e-Hayat for its outstanding contribution to the treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering from mental health disorders. He emphasised the need to create greater public awareness about mental health issues and the services being provided by the organisation. He also encouraged the business community, philanthropists and welfare-minded individuals to support the institution through Zakat and donations. He said that people suffering from mental illnesses deserved compassion, understanding and equal opportunities rather than discrimination and social isolation.
Ms. Rahat Saeed, Chief Executive Officer of Karwan-e-Hayat, welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted the organisation's ongoing initiatives in providing psychiatric treatment, residential care, counselling, rehabilitation and social support to individuals suffering from mental health disorders. She acknowledged the valuable contributions of donors, supporters and partner organisations in enabling Karwan-e-Hayat to continue its humanitarian mission.
Ms. Ayesha, a psychiatrist specialising in child and adolescent mental health and a member of Karwan-e-Hayat's Board, highlighted the growing importance of addressing mental health challenges among young people. She pointed out that approximately 60 per cent of Pakistan's population is below the age of 30, making early diagnosis, timely treatment and mental health awareness particularly important. She stressed the need to pay greater attention to the psychological well-being of children and adolescents.
The speakers explained that Karwan-e-Hayat provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including residential facilities, medical treatment, counselling and rehabilitation services. The organisation also arranges various recreational and therapeutic activities, including music, yoga, cricket and painting, to improve patients' psychological and social well-being, restore their confidence and help them become productive members of society.
An emotional segment of the ceremony featured patients and their family members sharing their personal experiences. A woman narrated how her son had made remarkable progress following treatment and rehabilitation at Karwan-e-Hayat and was now leading a better life while pursuing his BSc education. Such testimonials highlighted the positive impact of professional psychiatric care, family encouragement and sustained rehabilitation.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Saleemuddin Ahmed, founding member and former Chief Executive Officer and President of Karwan-e-Hayat, in recognition of his outstanding services and dedication to the organisation's humanitarian mission. A commemorative shield was presented to his family in acknowledgement of his valuable contributions.
On the occasion, Chairman KPT Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed and Mr. Saleem Sahib, Chairman of Karwan-e-Hayat, jointly distributed shields and presented tokens of appreciation to donors, supporters and partner organisations in recognition of their valuable contributions.
The organisations and individuals recognised at the ceremony included Hilton Pharma, Lals Chocolates, United Medical and Dental College, Karachi Port Trust, Pakistan State Oil (PSO), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Bank Alfalah, Sona Foundation (the CSR arm of Fauji Fertilizer), the Mohsin Nathani family, Rotary Club Karachi Continental and H3 Architects.
The speakers emphasised that psychiatric rehabilitation is a continuous process extending beyond medical treatment. It requires family involvement, social acceptance, professional healthcare and sustained institutional support. They appealed to philanthropists, the business community and the general public to support Karwan-e-Hayat so that more people suffering from mental health disorders could access quality treatment, rehabilitation and opportunities to lead independent and dignified lives.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks and an expression of gratitude to all donors, supporters, medical professionals and partner organisations for their valuable contributions towards improving mental healthcare and restoring hope in the lives of vulnerable individuals.
