The Pakistan Football Federation and the United Nations Youth Office launched the Football4MentalHealth programme in Islamabad, bringing together players, officials and stakeholders to highlight football as a platform for mental wellbeing and social development across Pakistan.
UN Resident Coordinator Mohammad Yahya framed the collaboration as a clear message that young people matter, noting Pakistan’s large youth population faces rising stress, uncertainty and social pressures. He said football can act as a critical outlet for healing and growth and urged partners to use sport to open conversations about mental health.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani underlined football’s role beyond competition and described the federation’s responsibility to help build stronger communities. The campaign, originally set for six months, has been extended to one year with the goal of training more than 400 mental health ambassadors across the country as part of the Football4MentalHealth initiative.
Pakistan women’s national team captain Maria Khan and former vice-captain Malika Noor shared personal experiences of how football provides therapy, belonging and emotional resilience, particularly for women balancing societal expectations and family responsibilities. Their accounts highlighted the programme’s potential to reach groups that often face barriers to seeking support.
The event also featured focused discussions on safeguarding, inclusion and community support, while UN representatives highlighted research showing many young people still find it difficult to speak openly about mental health challenges. Organisers emphasized that training, safe spaces and community engagement are essential to changing that dynamic.
The launch concluded with the signing of a declaration between the PFF and the UN to formally begin the Football4MentalHealth collaboration in Pakistan, setting out a year of activity aimed at embedding mental health awareness into youth football and local communities.
