The Department of Psychology at the International Islamic University Islamabad convened a panel discussion during Mental Health Week to examine mental health in catastrophes and emergencies and to map practical responses for Pakistan and the wider region.
Speakers explored the complex psychological consequences of natural disasters, armed conflict, pandemics and forced migration, highlighting the pervasive emotional toll on displaced individuals and families. Panelists described common responses such as grief, separation anxiety and identity disruption, and stressed that trauma often endures long after physical safety is restored.
Participants underlined the central role of mental health professionals in supporting survivors, refugees and internally displaced persons through sustained care. Emphasis was placed on trauma-informed counseling, family-centered interventions and community-based rehabilitation programmes that can rebuild interpersonal stability and hope amid financial and social uncertainty.
Contributors also examined the strain that crises place on family systems, noting increased parental stress and pressures on couple relationships. They argued that restoring family functioning requires targeted psychosocial supports, accessible counselling services and integrated plans within emergency response frameworks to protect long-term wellbeing.
Speakers framed mental health practice within an Islamic ethic of mercy, patience (ṣabr) and social solidarity, observing that faith-based values can reinforce resilience and mutual care during hardship. This faith-informed perspective was presented as complementary to evidence-based therapeutic approaches in Pakistani communities.
Prof Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President IIUI, acknowledged the Department of Psychology’s initiative and presented tokens of appreciation to the contributors. The panel featured academicians and practitioners including Dr Manzoor Khan Afridi, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr Nazia Iqbal, Incharge Department of Psychology Female Campus; Dr Mazhar Iqbal Bhatti, Incharge Department of Psychology Male Campus; Dr Ruksana Tariq, Student Advisor Female Campus; Dr Kehkashan Arouj; Dr Mamoona Ismail Loona, Incharge Female Counselling Centre; Dr Rabia Mushtaq; Dr Musarrat Jabeen Khan; and Dr Faryal Umbreen, Incharge Dawah Centre. The discussion was moderated by Dr Amna Hassan.
Dr Manzoor Khan Afridi linked local efforts to global humanitarian diplomacy, urging cross-border partnerships so that mental health remains central to reconstruction and rehabilitation in war-affected and disaster-hit areas. Dr Ruksana Tariq highlighted the emerging ties between climate change, environmental degradation and mental health, calling for interdisciplinary work to address psychosocial fallout from environmental crises.
The session closed with a clear consensus that mental health must be embedded in national and international disaster management policies. Panelists called on emerging psychologists to pursue research, advocacy and on-the-ground interventions that strengthen resilience, foster healing and support peacebuilding in the aftermath of catastrophes across Pakistan and beyond.
