The Institute of Applied Psychology (IAP), University of the Punjab, in collaboration with the Pakistan Psychological Association (PPA) Lahore Division and Child Psycon by KEMU, successfully organized an insightful panel discussion titled “Youth Mental Health in the Digital World: Navigating Challenges Towards Resources” on October 22, 2025, at the Institute of Applied Psychology, PU.

The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Ruhi Khalid, Director, Institute of Psychology, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore. The event was graced by eminent psychologists including Prof. Dr. Rafia Rafique (Director IAP, President PPA), Prof. Dr. Nazish Imran (Head, Department of Child Psychiatry, Mayo Hospital, Lahore), and Prof. Dr. Shameem Fatima (Associate Professor and Head, PPA Lahore Chapter), who also served as one of the moderators of the session. Ms. Faiza Khalid, PhD Scholar at the Institute of Applied Psychology, PU, also skillfully moderated the discussion.

Distinguished guests Mr. Riaz Fatyana (Former Member, National Assembly of Pakistan) and Prof. Dr. Najma Najam (Former Vice Chancellor, Karakoram International University, Gilgit) honored the event with their presence, highlighting the importance of addressing youth mental health challenges in the modern digital age.

The distinguished panel included Prof. Dr. Shahida Batool (Government College University, Lahore), Prof. Dr. Shazia Hassan (Head, Department of Psychology, University of Central Punjab), Prof. Dr. Amina Muazzam (Chairperson, Department of Psychology, Lahore College for Women University), Dr. Fatima Kamran (Associate Professor, Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab), Dr. Usman Rasheed (Senior Assistant Professor, Bahria University, Lahore), and Dr. Afsheen Gul (Head, Department of Psychology, Kinnaird College, Lahore).

The panelists engaged in a meaningful dialogue on the psychological challenges faced by youth in the digital era, emphasizing strategies to enhance mental well-being, digital balance, and access to supportive resources. The discussion encouraged collaborative learning among academicians, researchers, and students, promoting awareness about the significance of psychological resilience and digital literacy in contemporary society.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and certificate distribution, acknowledging the valuable contributions of the speakers, organizers, and participants.

This successful panel discussion reflects the Institute of Applied Psychology’s unwavering commitment to advancing mental health awareness, academic collaboration, and applied psychological research across Pakistan.