Sir: In Pakistan mental health legislation is necessary for protecting the rights of people with mental disorders. Being a vulnerable section of society, they are forced to bear the stigma, discrimination and social alienation, increasing the likelihood of human rights violations by those who fail to understand and accept their mindset or mental capacities. Mental disorders can sometimes affect a person’s decision-making capacities and he/she may not always seek or accept treatment for problems they face. Similarly people with mental disorders may pose a risk to themselves and others because of impaired decision-making abilities. The risk of violence or harm associated with mental disorders is relatively small though. The government of Pakistan must make appropriate legislation on mental health to produce a more healthy and productive society. Tassawar Ali Islamabad