Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning

11/07/2026

A collaborative meeting was held between the Pakistan Institute of Living & Learning and Imam Jaffer Sadiq University, Baghdad, Iraq, on July 6th. Dr. Asad Naqvi, Research Fellow at PILL, met with Prof. Dr. Ashraf, Head of the Clinical Psychology Department, to explore avenues for academic and research collaboration in mental health.
Founded in 2004, the university launched its Psychology program in 2022, with its first BS batch graduating last September, and has now introduced an MS program, with a PhD in the pipeline. Prof. Dr. Ashraf highlighted the region's need for stronger research initiatives.
PILL shared an overview of its projects, collaborations, and capacity-building work. The meeting concluded with strong interest from the university in pursuing further collaboration with PILL.

10/07/2026

On Day 3 of the SCIMITAR South Asia Annual Meeting in Colombo, Prof. Imran Chaudhry led the Policy Subgroup's Impact Activity, focusing on how SCIMITAR could be embedded into routine practice if the intervention proves to be clinically effective and cost-effective.

Dr. Muqaddas Asif presented the implementation strategies developed over two years of stakeholder engagement, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). SCIMITAR-SA has now finalised a comprehensive implementation strategy that is ready to be tested in the field. She also facilitated discussions within the Community Voices Subgroup, exploring how policy and community perspectives will inform the next phase of SCIMITAR-SA.

Mr. Ameer Khoso co-facilitated an Impact Workshop, leading a thought-provoking discussion on what success for SCIMITAR-SA means as a team and what meaningful, sustainable impact will look like beyond the trial.

10/07/2026

On Day 2 of the SCIMITAR South Asia Annual Meeting in Colombo, Dr. Muqaddas Asif shared major milestone - the successful completion of the feasibility phase of the SCIMITAR study and highlighted the team's readiness to begin the main trial. She also shared updates on the site's initiations, key achievements, meeting plans, training schedule, staffing arrangements and governance structure for the main trial

10/07/2026

The PILL team, Prof Imran Chaudhry, Dr Muqaddas Asif, Mr Ameer Khoso and Ms Sonia Langhani actively participated in Day 1 of the SCIMITAR South Asia Annual Meeting 2026 in Colombo. Ms. Sonia Langhani presented the Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI) activities throughout the feasibility phase of the trial. Her presentation demonstrated the important role of community engagement in supporting participant involvement, strengthening site activities, and embedding community voices in shaping the trial.

10/07/2026

SCIMITAR South Asia Annual Meeting 2026 in Colombo.

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

Action Against Rising HIV/AIDS Prevalence in Pakistan

A crucial strategic meeting was held at the PILL Karachi Head Office, on 7th July 2026 led by Dr. Akram Sultan, to address the alarming rise of HIV/AIDS now affecting Pakistan’s general population.
Joined by Dr. Muhammad Younis Chachar—MPH (Australia) and Ex Provincial Project Coordinator at Integrated Health Services (IHS), Provincial HIV / AID control program and advisor to many health Organisations —alongside Dr. Shaista Ali Siddiqui and Dr. Soma Vankwani, the experts discussed the urgent need to generate evidence on healthcare gaps fueling this crisis. A major focus was placed on tackling unsafe injection practices at clinics and hospitals, particularly those operated by quacks.
Dr. Younis presented a comprehensive report outlining critical facts, figures, and key recommendations. Moving forward, the team is developing a collaborative action proposal. Dr. Younis will present this proposal in Islamabad to high-level government officials, the National AIDS Control Program, and the UNDP to foster a united, inter-provincial front aimed at preventing the spread of HIV across Sindh and Punjab.
Stay tuned as we work towards a safer, healthier future. 🩺🇵🇰

08/07/2026

Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Home Economics, Lahore to strengthen collaboration in research, education, and capacity building.
The MoU was signed by Prof Dr Zaibun Nida Shmed Vice Chancellor of University and Dr. Noor ul Zaman Rafiq, Director Research Administration & Engagement Punjab, Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning. Present on the occasion were Director ORIIC, Dr Iram Rubab,
Registrar, Dr Imran Siddique Kokab, Dr Ayesha Sarfraz Head of Psychology Department, and Ms. Sana Nazir and representing PILL. This partnership marks an important step toward advancing academic excellence and collaborative research.

08/07/2026

Professionals call for humane treatment of su***de survivors in Pakistan

Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL), in collaboration with the University of Manchester and the Pakistan Psychological Association (PPA), successfully hosted the Stakeholder Consultative Meeting on "Su***de Prevention Advocacy: Charting the Way Forward" on 4 July 2026 in Karachi.

The meeting brought together 105 participants from across Pakistan, alongside international experts from the UK, Spain, and Bangladesh. The consultation was facilitated by Dr. Mowadat H. Rana, Prof. Nusrat Husain, Prof. Rafia Rafique, Prof. Imran B. Chaudhry, Prof. Nasim Chaudhry, Prof. Zainab Zadeh, and Dr. Shaista Siddiqui. Distinguished guests included MNA Dr. Nikhat Shakeel, MNA Mr. Riaz Fatyana, former Mayor of Karachi Mr. Waseem Akhtar, representatives from the Sindh Mental Health Authority (SMHA), the Pakistan Mental Health Coalition, Taskeen, SIEHS-1123, and individuals with lived experience, among others.

Discussions highlighted the need for compassionate, evidence-based care, stronger first responder capacity, legal advocacy, self-compassion in education, and a coordinated national public health approach to su***de prevention, aligned with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG Target 3.4.2 on reducing su***de mortality.

Together, we are strengthening partnerships to advance su***de prevention advocacy and improve mental health outcomes across Pakistan.

***dePrevention