Mental health among youth has reached critical point, warn experts

Pakistan’s largest-ever “Mental Health Hackathon 2025” concluded successfully at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, marking a significant step toward addressing the growing mental health challenges among the youth.

The two-day event, held on June 19 and 20 at the IBA City Campus, brought together 94 students from various universities across the country. The hackathon aimed to generate awareness and practical solutions for pressing mental health concerns, including stress, academic pressures, and workplace burnout. Participants proposed innovative solutions leveraging technology, mobile applications, and community programs to tackle these issues effectively.

Organised in collaboration with the Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) at the IBA and the Synapse Neuroscience Institute, the event highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts to support youth mental health.

Dr Akbar Zaidi, executive director of the IBA, emphasized that the central purpose of the event was to understand the mental well-being of young people and explore their perspectives.

Dr Ayesha Mian, founder and CEO of Synapse Neuroscience Institute, shared that a comprehensive collaborative strategy had been developed involving startup founders, students, and mental health professionals to bring collective insight and practical solutions to the forefront.

“Mental health among the youth has reached a critical point,” Dr Mian said. “Even a thousand psychologists are insufficient to meet the growing demand, which is why such events are essential in finding

viable solutions.”

Dr Lala Rukh Ejaz, Director of CED, described the Mental Health Hackathon 2025 not merely as an event but as the beginning of a nationwide movement dedicated to mental wellness. She noted that students’ innovative ideas and insights could drive positive changes in the country’s mental health landscape.

The event featured interactive sessions, panel discussions, and Q&As that not only deepened participants' understanding of mental health issues but also encouraged them to develop actionable, tech-enabled solutions. Top-performing teams were awarded cash prizes in recognition of their impactful ideas and participation