Sargodha: An awareness seminar regarding “World Mental Health Day” was organized at District Jail Sargodha through a collaboration between the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) Sargodha and the Prisons Department. Saeedullah Gondal (DIG Prisons, Sargodha Region) attended the event as the chief guest. Whereas distinguished guests included Mehar Umar Daraz Jhawari (Deputy Director, NCHD Sargodha), Waheed Khan (Superintendent, District Jail Sargodha), Mukhtar Ahmed Mirza (President, Rotary Club Sargodha).
Dr. Mavra (Psychologist, District Jail Sargodha), Asif Ali Tarar (Assistant Director Education, NCHD Sargodha), Prof. Dr. Najma Iqbal (Chairperson, Department of Psychology, University of Sargodha), Dr. Ayesha (Director Special Education, Sargodha), and Ms. Rubina Mukhtar (Chairperson, Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Sargodha). A large number of NCHD field officers, prison administration staff, and male and female inmates from District Jail Sargodha also participated in the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Saeedullah Gondal (DIG Prisons, Sargodha) stated that the right to health for millions of people worldwide was under increasing threat. Diseases and disasters had become major causes of death and disability. Conflicts were devastating lives, resulting in death, suffering, hunger, and mental anguish.
Mental health demands the same level of attention as physical health; being heard and understood fosters hope for recovery and accelerates the healing process, while incorporating patients’ actual experiences and opinions into policymaking and treatment protocols could drive positive systemic change. The significance of World Mental Health Day lies in raising awareness about the need to maintain good mental health for both individuals and societies. This day also offers an opportunity for governments, policymakers, and civil society to focus on critical health issues and collaborate on solutions.
Mehar Umar Daraz Jhawari, Deputy Director of the National Commission for Human Development (Sargodha District), stated that health was not merely the absence of disease but encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. Every individual-regardless of age, gender, location, or socioeconomic status-has the right to access these essential services. Unfortunately, millions of people worldwide are deprived of these fundamental rights due to poverty, discrimination, and inadequate public health systems. This leads to issues such as preventable diseases, increased mortality rates, and a decline in the quality of life.
Governments, institutions, and individuals must work together to make health a right for all in the true sense; let us consider how we can play our part in this regard. Waheed Khan, Superintendent of District Jail Sargodha, remarked that making people aware of their rights empowers them to demand better medical facilities. Health education should be prioritized in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Mental health is often overlooked; however, counseling, stress management programs, and emotional support services can significantly improve overall well-being. Many organizations are continuously striving to provide medical services, essential supplies, and education to marginalized communities. Supporting them through donations, volunteer work, or awareness campaigns can bring about real change.
Mukhtar Ahmed Mirza, President of the Rotary Club Sargodha, stated that ‘World Mental Health Day’ reminds us of the global community’s interconnectedness in the pursuit of mental health and well-being. This day offers an opportunity to celebrate achievements in public health, acknowledge existing challenges, and find inspiration for practical steps toward a better future. By teaching children the importance of health, we empower them to become advocates for their own well-being and guardians of global health. Speaking on the occasion.
Dr. Mavra, a psychologist at District Jail Sargodha, emphasized that while observing this day, we must remember that health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. It is a fundamental human right to which everyone is entitled, regardless of their background or circumstances. Whether through policy changes, educational initiatives, or personal reflection, we all have a role to play in shaping a healthier world for future generations. While visiting the women’s ward and sharing her thoughts on ‘World Mental Health Day,’ Prof Dr. Najma Iqbal Malik, Chairperson of the Department of Psychology at the University of Sargodha, stated that stress was an inevitable part of life. It can stem from various factors, such as work, relationships, financial matters, health concerns, and personal issues. Although stress could be beneficial in moderation, persistent or chronic stress could have a profound impact on both physical and mental health.