KARACHI – The 8th BUHSCK International Conference was organized by Bahria University Health Sciences Campus Karachi (BUHSCK) on 29 September 2026 at the Ibn-e-Sina Auditorium. The conference focused on the theme “Innovation in Mental Health: From Technology to Community Empowerment,” the event brought together global experts, researchers, and healthcare practitioners to address the growing demand for scalable, inclusive mental health solutions. The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by Durood-e-Ibrahimi.
In his opening remarks, Director General BUHSCK, Vice Admiral (R) Athar Mukhtar HI (M), highlighted the imperative to bridge high-tech digital healthcare with grassroots community action.
Addressing the 8th BUHSCK Conference 2026, the Chief Guest Prof. Dr Syed Irfan Hyder Vice Chancellor Salim Habib University commended the organizers and underscored that while technologies like AI and tele-mental health expand access, they must be guided by ethics and compassion to serve remote communities
Opening the major proceedings, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Afridi delivered a compelling plenary keynote talk titled “Health and Wellbeing of Medical Students and Academia: A Compelling Need,” which underscored the urgent priority of safeguarding the mental health of healthcare trainees and educators.
The conference featured scientific paper presentations, insightful talks by distinguished guest speakers, pre-conference workshops, a poster competition, and engaging panel discussions. The conference further expanded its scholarly scope through dynamic scientific sessions led by eminent national and international experts, including Prof. Dr. Raza Rahman (Dean, Hamdard University), Prof. Dr. Yasir Abbasi (Chief Medical Officer & Medical Director, Ardens Medical Center, Dubai, UAE), Dr. Naeem Al-Aswad (Chief Medical Officer, Vital Signs & Vital Skills, Texas, USA), Prof. Washdev Amar (HOD, Department of Psychiatry, Dow University of Health Sciences), and Dr. Anil Bhagwani (Postdoctoral Fellow, Weill Cornell Medicine, NYC, USA).
In his remarks, the Rector Bahria University Vice Admiral Abid Hameed HI(M), appreciated the distinguished speakers, guests, researchers, faculty, and participants for their valuable contributions to the conference. He emphasized that meaningful progress in mental health requires a balanced integration of innovation, ethical practice, and community engagement. He expressed confidence that the insights and collaborations generated during the conference would contribute to strengthening mental health awareness, education, and services in Pakistan.
At the conclusion of the session, Rector Bahria University Vice Admiral Abid Hameed HI(M), Vice Admiral (R) Athar Mukhtar HI(M) presented the souvenir to the chief guest, Prof Dr. Syed Irfan Hyder
