Consul General Tariq Karim attended the 15th Annual Muslim Mental Health Conference Gala event as keynote speaker. The event, organized by Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Psychiatry in East Lancing, MI, was attended by a large number of people, including Rev. Dr. Que English, Director of Centre for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
In his remarks, the Consul General lauded the MSU and Dr. Farah Abbasi, a prominent member of the Pakistani-American community, for their efforts in promoting the cause of mental healthcare. He, inter alia, spoke about: the role of mental health in the overall well-being of human beings and building a healthy and prosperous world; Islamic perspective to mental health and its holistic approach, and the pioneering work of Muslim physicians & scientists (i.e. Al-Balkhi, Al-Razi and Avicenna) in mental healthcare and establishment of psychiatric hospitals during the Islamic Golden Age. The Consul General briefed the participants about the steps taken by Pakistan in the field of mental healthcare, facilities extended by a large number of hospitals and challenges in the wake of Covid-19 and catastrophic climate-induced floods. He also highlighted the importance of Pak-US partnership and the role of vibrant Pakistani American community and its physicians. Consul General Tariq Karim proposed collaboration between MSU and prime academic institutions in Pakistan in the field of research and capacity building.
During his visit, the Consul General also interacted with members of the Pakistani-American community, physicians and businessmen and briefed them about investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Chicago, IL
March 13, 2023
