The National Institute of Psychology (NIP), Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, proudly hosted the 10th International Conference on Cyberpsychology and Mental Health: Challenges, Trends, and Solutions on 28th-29th November 2024. This prestigious two-day event showcased the transformative potential of cyberspace, highlighting its immense benefits, including enhanced connectivity, access to knowledge, digital therapies, and innovative tools for improving mental health and well-being. The conference celebrated the role of technology in fostering global collaboration and empowering mental health professionals to reach diverse populations through teletherapy and online support platforms.

Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar (Vice Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad) was the esteemed guest speaker in today’s conference. He highlighted several important points while addressing to participants including the need for digital wellbeing. He posed the moto that psychology department should be established in all the universities of the country including the technical universities as well due to growing mental health challenges faced by people. At the end he congratulated all the organizers for arranging such insightful conference.

Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal (Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad). He highlighted significant points during his address. He presented that according to the literature review 70-80 % of people need psychiatric assistance. The issues regarding cybersecurity, cybercrime and cyberbullying are very common. He highlighted that digital media has facilitated us a lot but we have become more isolated and technology dependent due to its growing use. He ended his address by commenting that it is easy to destroy and rebuild a city but it is very difficult to rebuild a nation if the minds are destroyed. At last, he thanked the organizers for having him in the conference.

Earlier the conference was address by Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), who shared his insightful perspective on the digital revolution. Prof. Dr. Jamil A. Malik, the Chief Organizer of the event, celebrated the exceptional participation of researchers, noting the submission of 146 research papers, which demonstrated the growing interest in the burgeoning field of cyberpsychology. He lauded the collaborative spirit of the academic community and extended his gratitude to the conference’s sponsors. Prof. Dr. Rubina Hanif, Director of NIP, elaborated on the dual aspects of cyberspace, recognizing both its opportunities and challenges. She emphasized the need for culturally sensitive interventions and unveiled plans to establish a dedicated Cyberpsychology Unit to address emerging mental health concerns in the digital era. Other distinguished speakers included Mr. Ali Asghar (Director General, NCHD) and Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti (Rector, Virtual University), both of whom delivered cutting-edge keynote addresses on emerging digital technologies and their impact on society.

The conference attracted leading psychologists, academics, and professionals from across Pakistan, fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations. It was proudly sponsored by Transformation International, Pakistan Psychological Association, Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists, A.R. Brothers, and the Pakistan Institute of Life and Living. This landmark event not only highlighted the critical intersection of cyberpsychology and mental health but also paved the way for innovative approaches to addressing digital-era challenges.

For complete detail please visit the website https://conference.nip.edu.pk/