LAHORE: A delegation of the Pakistan Federal Union of Columnists (PFUC) and content creators visited the Well-Being Centre at The University of Lahore (UOL), where they were briefed on the university’s initiative aimed at promoting mental and psychological health among students, faculty, and staff.
The delegation was welcomed by Director UOL Well-Being Centre, Prof Dr Shamaila Asad, who provided a detailed overview of the centre’s objectives, services, and operational framework. She explained that the initiative has been established to address rising mental health challenges within educational institutions and to provide timely support through professional psychological care.
The visiting delegation included renowned motivational speaker Qasim Ali Shah, PFUC Chairman and anchorperson Farrukh Shahbaz Warraich, PFUC Central President Fareed Razaqi, Vice President Azhar Tharaj, Secretary General Waqar Aslam, President Women Wing Mahwish Fazal, Member Board of Governors Abdul Majeed, Shahzad Chaudhry, Sajid Khan, Madho Lal, along with other senior journalists and columnists.
Speaking on the occasion, Qasim Ali Shah highlighted that nearly 30 percent of the global population experiences psychological or mental health issues at some stage of life. Referring to recent tragic incidents reported at educational institutions, including UOL, he said the establishment of a dedicated Well-Being Centre was a timely and much-needed step. He noted that such centres not only provide treatment and counselling but also play a crucial role in preventing serious incidents by identifying issues early.
He urged universities across Pakistan to follow UOL’s example and establish similar facilities on their campuses. Qasim Ali Shah also drew attention to the stigma surrounding mental health in Pakistani society, where individuals facing psychological challenges are often unfairly labelled. In contrast, he said, many developed countries have incorporated happiness and emotional wellbeing into academic learning, underscoring the need for awareness and mindset change in Pakistan.
Prof Dr Shamaila Asad informed the delegation that the UOL Well-Being Centre will offer free-of-cost mental health services, including counselling, assessment, and awareness sessions, for students, teachers, and staff. She explained that a comprehensive assessment programme has been designed for the university, under which class representatives and faculty members will help identify and refer students who may be facing mental health challenges. Students will also have the option to approach the centre directly.
She added that the centre is staffed with qualified clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, and health psychologists who will conduct professional evaluations and provide appropriate guidance, therapy, and support in a confidential and supportive environment.
The PFUC delegation appreciated the initiative and stressed the importance of prioritising mental health in educational institutions, calling it a vital step towards building safer, healthier, and more resilient academic communities across the country.