Accra:President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called upon Pakistanis to foster a society where mental health issues can be discussed openly without fear or stigma.

According to Radio Pakistan, both leaders stressed the need to treat mental health conditions with the same acceptance as physical illnesses at all levels of society. Their remarks were made in conjunction with World Mental Health Day.

President Zardari encouraged stakeholders to move beyond awareness towards meaningful action by listening to those who have experienced mental health challenges.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the federal government's efforts to incorporate mental health services into primary healthcare, educational institutions, and community platforms.