LAHORE: The international recognition earned by Pakistan’s “Football for Mental Health Programme” at the United Nations has been hailed as a major milestone for Pakistan’s sporting diplomacy, reinforcing the country’s positive image while strengthening its standing within the global football community.
Officials associated with the initiative believe the acknowledgement has gone beyond celebrating a successful social programme, instead highlighting Pakistan’s growing ability to contribute meaningfully to international discussions on youth development, mental well-being and community empowerment through sport.
The recognition has also reinforced the Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) belief in the unity of the global football family, demonstrating that football continues to transcend geographical, cultural and political boundaries by bringing together nations in pursuit of common humanitarian goals.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani described the achievement as a significant endorsement of Pakistan’s potential to transform football into an instrument of social progress. “It proved that Pakistani people have the will and ability to serve society, while the Pakistan Football Federation possesses the professional capacity to implement globally conceived ideas focusing on building a better society by using football as a vehicle,” he said.
Gilani added that the international appreciation had projected Pakistan’s soft image before the world by showcasing the country’s commitment to innovation, social responsibility and community development through sport.
According to the PFF president, one of the most significant outcomes of the initiative was its emphasis on mental health, an issue receiving increasing attention across the global sporting landscape. “Football has the power to improve the emotional and psychological well-being of players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and families, while creating healthier and more connected communities.”
PFF Chief Operating Officer Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar said that the United Nations platform enabled Pakistan to engage with a diverse range of international stakeholders, including football administrators, policymakers, development organisations, athletes and youth leaders. “These interactions created valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, explore future collaborations and strengthen partnerships aimed at using sport to address global social challenges,” he remarked.
“Football has increasingly become an effective platform for promoting inclusion, education, health awareness and youth empowerment, with governing bodies around the world encouraging federations to expand their role beyond competition and contribute to broader community development,” Khokhar added.
The other delegation members said that Pakistan’s participation in the global dialogue reflects the PFF’s commitment to embracing this modern vision of football, where the game’s influence extends beyond the pitch to create lasting social impact.
“The recognition is also expected to encourage greater international cooperation and support for similar initiatives in the future, while reinforcing Pakistan’s reputation as a responsible and constructive member of the global football community,” they added.