Islamabad:President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called on all Pakistanis to actively contribute to a society where discussions about mental health are free from fear, stigma, or embarrassment.

According to Radio Pakistan, in separate messages marking World Mental Health Day, both leaders emphasized the importance of recognizing and treating mental health conditions with the same seriousness as physical illnesses at all societal levels.

President Zardari urged stakeholders to go beyond mere awareness and take meaningful actions by genuinely listening to individuals with personal experiences of mental health challenges.

Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the federal government's efforts to incorporate mental health services into primary healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and community-based platforms.