Pakistan has more than 32 million people living with mental health conditions, while only 1,050 registered psychiatrists are available nationwide, according to Ministry of Health figures presented in the National Assembly.

Mental Health Crisis: Pakistan Has Just One Psychiatrist for 245,400 People

Ministry Reveals Mental Health and AIDS Statistics in National Assembly

By News Desk On Oct 31, 2026

ISLAMABAD: (News Desk) – More than 32 million people in Pakistan are living with mental health conditions, according to figures from the Global Burden of Disease study presented by the Ministry of Health in the National Assembly.

The data reveals that the number of people affected by mental health disorders across the country has reached approximately 32.04 million, highlighting the growing need for mental healthcare services and qualified medical professionals.

According to the Ministry of Health, around 300,000 people in Islamabad were suffering from mental health conditions as of 2023. Meanwhile, Pakistan has only 1,050 registered psychiatrists available to provide specialised treatment.

Of the total registered psychiatrists, 406 are practising in Punjab, 228 in Sindh, 122 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 44 in Balochistan. The figures indicate that Pakistan has approximately one psychiatrist for every 245,400 people.

The Ministry also shared statistics regarding AIDS patients across the country, reporting a total of 3,900 cases. Sindh has the highest reported number, with 1,915 patients, followed by Punjab with 1,765.

The remaining cases include 139 patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 46 in Balochistan, 30 in Islamabad, four in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and one in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The figures presented in Parliament highlight the challenges facing Pakistan’s healthcare system, particularly the shortage of mental health specialists and the need to strengthen access to specialised medical services.