Pakistan

In Pakistan, safeguarding systems for children and adults are supported by national legislation and policy, though implementation varies across provinces, and cultural norms often influence how and whether support is accessed. Child protection is governed by laws such as the Punjab Destitute and Neglected Children Act, the Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Act, among others. These provide a framework to address abuse, neglect, child labour, and exploitation. For adults—particularly women, older people, and persons with disabilities—the Domestic Violence Acts enacted at provincial levels offer legal protections. However, safeguarding challenges remain, including underreporting of abuse, social stigma, and a reliance on family or community mechanisms over formal systems. Pakistani students in the UK may be aware of legal protections but may be reluctant to disclose personal difficulties, especially those related to family or emotional wellbeing, due to concerns about privacy, honour, or judgement.

Mental health in Pakistan is gaining visibility, especially among the youth, but it remains a stigmatised and often misunderstood area, influenced by religious, cultural, and social perceptions. Mental illness is frequently associated with shame or spiritual weakness, and many people seek support through faith healers or family networks before turning to professional services. Although government and NGO initiatives are working to improve awareness and access to mental health care, there is a significant shortage of trained professionals, and support is concentrated in urban centres. Pakistani students in the UK may face challenges such as academic pressure, isolation, or cultural adjustment but may hesitate to seek help due to concerns about stigma, confidentiality, or cultural disconnect with service providers. UK university professionals can support these students by offering culturally sensitive, confidential, and non-judgmental wellbeing services, framed in terms of academic resilience, personal growth, and stress management. Services that offer privacy, peer support, and awareness of cultural and religious values—including faith-informed or multilingual resources—can help students feel safe, understood, and supported.