From Policy to Practice: ICAN’s Mental Health Advocacy Journey in Pakistan, 2026
Strengthening Systems, Inspiring Healing, Empowering Communities
Strategic Policy Engagements and
Institutional Collaboration
Working Towards a Shared Vision with Sindh Mental Health Authority
ICAN team had the honour of meeting Senator Dr. Karim Ahmed Khawaja, Chairman, Sindh Mental Health Authority. The discussion focused on developing a strategic roadmap for future mental health initiatives in Pakistan, with particular emphasis on policy alignment, service delivery, and sustainable mental health advocacy at both provincial and national levels.
Collaboration with the Directorate of Colleges, Sindh
A productive meeting was held with Professor Dr. Navaid Rab Siddique, Director General Colleges, Sindh. The dialogue explored potential collaborative initiatives to promote mental health and well-being among young people, including awareness programs, community hub models, and targeted psychosocial interventions within educational institutions.
LEAD Pakistan Initiative Co-Creating Change
Theory of Change and Policy Pathways for Child Mental Health
In collaboration with the Rights for Time Network, University of Birmingham, UK
Stakeholder Roundtable &
National Dialogue
The LEAD Pakistan Initiative focused on advancing informed and inclusive dialogue around child and youth mental health through a structured, participatory, and systems-based approach. Led by Professor Panos Vostanis (Child Psychiatry, University of Leicester, UK), the initiative brought together professionals from primary healthcare, mental health, education, and social justice sectors to collaboratively strengthen child mental health policy and practice in Pakistan.
The project included participatory workshops with young people and professionals to identify key challenges and barriers within existing child mental health services. These sessions employed a Theory of Change (ToC) framework to collectively map pathways for sustainable improvement and impact.
Insights generated through the ToC workshops informed a Stakeholder Roundtable Meeting, enabling cross-sector dialogue between policymakers, practitioners, and advocates. The key findings and recommendations were consolidated into a Policy Brief, which was shared with all participating stakeholders to support evidence-informed decision-making and future advocacy efforts.
Participatory Workshops
Engaging young people and professionals to identify key challenges and co-create solutions using Theory of Change.
Stakeholder Roundtable
Cross-sector dialogue between policymakers, practitioners, and advocates.
Policy Brief
Evidence-based recommendations shared with stakeholders for future action.
Distinguished Panelists
Senator Dr. Karim Ahmed Khawaja (Chairman, Sindh Mental Health Authority), Professor Dr. Navaid Siddiqui (Director General Colleges, Sindh), and Justice M. Hasan Akber (Judge, Sindh High Court) contributed valuable perspectives from policy, education, and legal frameworks.
ICAN extends its sincere appreciation to its media partner, GTV Network, for supporting and amplifying the reach of this important national dialogue on child and youth mental health.
Clinical and Community-Based
Mental Health Interventions
Expressive Art and Healing Workshop at SICHN, Karachi
ICAN received official permission to conduct a one-day Expressive Art Activities Workshop at the Paediatric Rehabilitation Unit, Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN), Government of Sindh.
The workshop engaged children alongside their caregivers in positive mental health activities, fostering emotional expression, resilience, healing, and shared strength within a supportive therapeutic environment.
Mental Health Camps in Government Schools – Karachi East
With official approval from the Deputy Commissioner, Karachi East, ICAN successfully organized mental health camps at Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government School and GGPS Government Elementary School, Sachal Goth.
Over 300 primary and secondary school students participated in collective positive wellness mural art and individual expressive activities designed to promote emotional well-being, self-awareness, personal strengths, and resilience.
