By Bilal Habib
Rahim Yar Khan: A groundbreaking seminar, orchestrated by Dr. Ali Burhan Mustafa from Sheikh Zayd Medical College/Hospital, recently shone a spotlight on the vital link between mental health and criminal justice. Dr. Mustafa highlighted this connection through the lens of pivotal legal cases, setting a precedent for an integrated approach in Pakistan. This initiative leads into an insightful documentary screening hosted by Justice Project Pakistan on December 15, focusing on the often-overlooked narratives of prisoners within the country’s legal system.
The seminar marked a collaborative milestone between the Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Department of SZMCH and Queen’s University Canada, signaling the advent of Forensic Psychiatry in Pakistan. The event, featuring an enlightening Q&A session led by Justice Project Pakistan’s Stephanie Blakeman and Zil-e-Huma, aims to deepen the dialogue around the role of mental health in legal and correctional systems.
Wrapping up the event, Principal Prof Dr. Muhammad Saleem Laghari extolled the efforts of the Psychiatry & Forensic Medicine Departments at SZMCH. The seminar was graced by the presence of notable figures such as Medical Superintendent Dr. Agha Tauheed Ahmed Khan, General Secretary of the District Bar Association Mr. Ahmed Khan Kanjoo, and President of the District Press Club Mr. Asim Siddique. Faculty from Islamia University Bahawalpur (RYK), KFUEIT, and medical teaching professionals also attended, highlighting the event’s wide-reaching impact. This diverse turnout reflects a growing consensus on the importance of integrating mental health care into Pakistan’s justice and rehabilitation systems, a move that promises profound implications for the country’s approach to criminal justice.
