The Pakistan Football Federation and United Nations Youth Office on Wednesday launched the Football4MentalHealth programme in Islamabad, bringing together players, officials and stakeholders to highlight football’s growing role in promoting mental wellbeing and social development in Pakistan.
The event marked Pakistan’s inclusion as one of the pilot countries in the global UNFootball4MentalHealth initiative. Speaking at the gathering, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan Mohammad Yahya described the collaboration as “not just a partnership, but a message that young people matter.” He emphasized that Pakistan has a significant youth population which, like other countries, faces increasing pressures such as stress, uncertainty and social challenges, making mental health an urgent issue rather than a distant concern. And in that context, football becomes a critical outlet for healing and growth.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani underlined football’s power beyond the pitch, stating that federations have a responsibility not only to organize sport but also to contribute towards building society. He revealed that the campaign, initially planned for six months, has now been extended to one year, with the aim of creating more than 400 mental health ambassadors across the country. Gilani reaffirmed his commitment to using football as a tool for social impact and youth empowerment.
Pakistan women’s national team captain Maria Khan and former vice-captain Malika Noor shared personal experiences on how football provides therapy, belonging and emotional resilience, particularly for women balancing societal expectations and family responsibilities.
The programme also featured discussions on safeguarding, inclusion and community support, while representatives from the UN highlighted research showing that many young people still struggle to openly discuss mental health challenges.
The event concluded with the signing of a declaration between the PFF and the UN, formally launching the Football4MentalHealth collaboration in Pakistan.