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KARACHI, September 29, 2026: Bahria University Health Sciences Campus Karachi (BUHSCK) hosted its 8th International Conference on September 29.
The conference took place at the Ibn-e-Sina Auditorium.
It focused on the theme “Innovation in Mental Health: From Technology to Community Empowerment.”
The event brought together international experts, researchers and healthcare professionals.
Participants discussed the growing need for accessible and scalable mental health solutions.
The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
It was followed by Durood-e-Ibrahimi.
Director General BUHSCK Vice Admiral (R) Athar Mukhtar HI (M) delivered the opening remarks.
He stressed the need to connect digital healthcare with community-level action.
He said mental health innovation should reach people beyond major healthcare centres.
Chief Guest Prof. Dr Syed Irfan Hyder, Vice Chancellor of Salim Habib University, also addressed the conference.
He praised BUHSCK for organising the event.
He said technologies such as artificial intelligence and tele-mental health can improve access to care.
However, he stressed that technology must remain guided by ethics and compassion.
He also highlighted the need to extend mental health services to remote communities.
Prof. Dr Iqbal Afridi delivered the plenary keynote address.
His presentation was titled “Health and Wellbeing of Medical Students and Academia: A Compelling Need.”
He highlighted the importance of protecting the mental health of medical students and healthcare educators.
The conference also featured scientific paper presentations and expert talks.
Participants attended pre-conference workshops and panel discussions.
A poster competition also formed part of the programme.
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The scientific sessions featured several national and international experts.
They included Prof. Dr Raza Rahman, Dean of Hamdard University.
Other speakers included Prof. Dr Yasir Abbasi, Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director at Ardens Medical Center in Dubai.
Dr Naeem Al-Aswad, Chief Medical Officer at Vital Signs & Vital Skills in Texas, also participated.
The programme also featured Prof. Washdev Amar, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Dow University of Health Sciences.
Dr Anil Bhagwani, a postdoctoral fellow at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, also joined the sessions.
The speakers shared insights on mental health, healthcare innovation and community engagement.
Bahria University Rector Vice Admiral Abid Hameed HI(M) thanked the speakers, guests, researchers, faculty members and participants.
He said meaningful progress in mental health requires innovation and ethical practice.
He also stressed the importance of community engagement.
Abid Hameed expressed confidence that the conference would support stronger mental health awareness and education in Pakistan.
He said the discussions could also contribute to improving mental health services.
The conference concluded with a souvenir presentation.
Rector Bahria University Vice Admiral Abid Hameed HI(M) and Vice Admiral (R) Athar Mukhtar HI(M) presented a souvenir to Chief Guest Prof. Dr Syed Irfan Hyder.
The event provided a platform for experts to exchange ideas on the future of mental healthcare.
It also highlighted the growing role of technology and community participation in improving access to mental health services.
