The Pakistan Football Federation and the United Nations Youth Office on Wednesday launched the Football4MentalHealth programme in Islamabad, bringing together players, officials and stakeholders to spotlight football’s role in promoting mental wellbeing and social development across Pakistan.
As one of the pilot countries in the global UNFootball4MentalHealth initiative, Pakistan will pilot community-based activities aimed at making mental health support accessible through sport. UN Resident Coordinator Mohammad Yahya described the collaboration as “not just a partnership, but a message that young people matter,” stressing that the country’s large youth population faces rising pressures including stress, uncertainty and social challenges.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani highlighted football’s influence beyond the pitch and said federations must contribute to building society. He announced that the campaign, originally planned for six months, has been extended to one year and aims to create more than 400 mental health ambassadors nationwide, reaffirming the PFF’s 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 accounts of how the game provides therapy, a sense of belonging and emotional resilience, particularly for women balancing societal expectations and family responsibilities. Their testimonies underlined how Football4MentalHealth can open safe spaces for conversation and support.
The programme included discussions on safeguarding, inclusion and community support while UN representatives pointed to research showing many young people still find it difficult to speak openly about mental health. The event concluded with the signing of a formal declaration between the PFF and the UN, officially launching the Football4MentalHealth collaboration in Pakistan.
