Karwan-e-Hayat was honored to host an esteemed delegation from the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL) as well as an international collaborator from the University of York, UK. This important visit marked another step forward in collaborative efforts to improve mental health care and research in the region.
The delegation included prominent figures in the field of mental health: Prof. Imran Chaudhry, Professor of Psychiatry; Ms. Amna Babar, Project Manager for SCIMITAR at the Institute of Psychiatry; Dr. Ameer B. Khoso, Assistant Director at PILL; and Ms. Muqaddas Asif, Project Director for SCIMITAR. A special welcome was extended to Dr. Omara Dogar, SCIMITAR Co-Applicant from the University of York, UK.
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During the visit, guests were given a comprehensive tour of Karwan-e-Hayats mental health facility. The engagement provided a platform for insightful discussions around ongoing mental health initiatives, with particular emphasis on the SCIMITAR-SA programmean innovative effort designed to help individuals with severe mental illness overcome tobacco addiction.
The SCIMITAR-SA programme represents a critical step toward shaping evidence-based interventions that have the potential to create lasting, community-wide impact. The exchange of ideas underscored the shared mission of all participating organizations: to promote accessible, effective mental health care through research, advocacy, and collaboration.
This growing partnership between Karwan-e-Hayat, PILL, the University of York, and the Institute of Psychiatry reflects a unified commitment to tackling mental health challenges in Pakistan and beyond. All parties expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead as they continue to work together to drive change and improve lives.
