HEC, SALU & DC Khairpur Unite to Empower Youth on Mental Health and Career Challenges

HEC, SALU & DC Khairpur Unite to Empower Youth on Mental Health and Career Challenges
National Youth Helpline Seminar Held at SALU
Press Release
30-10-2025
National Youth Helpline Seminar at SALU Empowers Youth to Tackle Mental Health and Career Challenges
Press Release
30-10-2025
A major awareness seminar for the National Youth Helpline (NYHL), titled “Aiming Change for Tomorrow,” was successfully held at Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur. The event, a collaborative effort between the university, UNFPA, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and ACT International, drew a large crowd of students, faculty, administrative officials, and prominent social figures.
Held in the university's main SSC auditorium, the seminar focused on providing youth with crucial guidance, psychological support, and solutions to pressing educational, social, and career-related problems.
The event featured Deputy Commissioner Mr. Fayaz Rahujo as the Chief Guest and Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk presided the event.
In his address, Chief Guest Mr. Fayaz Rahujo emphasized the importance of open communication and self-belief. Acknowledging common struggles like managing low income, he advised students to set small, achievable targets. “Expectations should be high, but a patient of depression will not disclose his issues easily. You must share your thoughts and learn to trust,” he stated. He also encouraged exploring alternative paths to well-being, such as music, exercise, and welfare work, to release "happy hormones."
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk delivered a comprehensive analysis of the root causes of depression among youth. He pinpointed a combination of intense social pressures, severe economic hardships like unemployment and inflation, and the breakdown of family relationships. He further highlighted the negative impact of social media, which fosters constant comparison, and a deeper crisis stemming from the weakening of religious and moral ties.
“Depression is an illness, not a crime, its treatment is possible,” Dr. Khushk asserted. He commended the NYHL as a crucial step, proving that the state and institutions are now seriously addressing the psychological issues of young people.
Ms. Kanwal Kashif, Manager of the National Youth Helpline, detailed the platform's services in a presentation. She informed the audience that the helpline is a safe, confidential, and free service providing guidance on psychological, educational, social, and reproductive health issues.
"Our goal is to empower youth to overcome mental stress, anxiety, and psychological challenges, and to restore their confidence," stated Ms. Kashif.
A panel discussion on "Challenges Facing Youth Today" featured Dr. Siraj Somroo, who discussed psychological and social challenges. University students also presented impactful role-plays depicting real-life problems and their solutions, which were highly appreciated by attendees.
Other dignitaries, including HEC Disability Focal Person Mr. Meer Muhammad Shaikh, underscored the government's commitment. "The government has realized that this is a need to address. When the government is doing this, it means to own you," he said, announcing that a government portal is being developed to further help youth.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Riaz Qureshi, who motivated students as the "future of the world." Attendees were encouraged to become ambassadors of change by sharing the seminar's key messages with their peers and you can share on 0800-69457 of NYHL.
The event culminated with a feedback session, the presentation of shields to distinguished guests, and the distribution of certificates to volunteer students. The proceedings were conducted by Kanwal and coordinated by Dr. Ali Raza Lashari, ending on a positive note with a group photo and refreshments.
Among others, faculty members, Sami Abro and a large number of students attended the event.
Dr Sahib Oad
Media Studies
SALU Khairpur