Professor Syed Haroon Ahmed, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 92, was a trailblazer in psychiatry, a devoted mentor, and an unwavering champion for mental health. Born in 1931 in the historic city of Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, he began his eternal journey on April 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness following a post-COVID stroke.
He leaves behind his cherished family, close friends, numerous well-wishers, and a lasting legacy that transformed psychiatric care in Pakistan. From a young age, Professor Haroon was dedicated to progressive thought and social change. In 1950, he established the Democratic Students Federation, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to advocacy. After earning his MBBS in 1953, he pursued advanced psychiatric training at Maudsley Hospital, UK. Upon his return to Pakistan, he played a crucial role in shaping modern psychiatry. As a senior psychiatrist at Jinnah Hospital’s Ward 20, he contributed significantly to the advancement of psychiatric care. He co-founded the Pakistan Psychiatric Society in 1972 and, earlier in 1965, established the Pakistan Association for Mental Health (PAMH), a significant milestone that enabled him to extend care to those most in need. In 1995, PAMH launched the Institute of Behavioural Sciences (IBS) in Karachi, a leading psychiatric facility offering cutting-edge treatment and academic training. Professor Haroon was also a pioneer of community psychiatry, advocating for the concept with the slogan: “Mental Health at the Doorstep of the Community.” Beyond his contributions to mental health, he was a passionate advocate for peace and human rights. As president of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, he was one of the few courageous voices to campaign against Pakistan’s nuclear armament in 1998. His dedication to human rights was further demonstrated by his long-standing association with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). One of his most significant contributions was in mental health law reform. Recognizing the outdated nature of Pakistan’s psychiatric legislation, he led efforts to replace the archaic Lunacy Act 1912. His perseverance resulted in the passage of the Sindh Mental Health Act of 2013, the first law in Pakistan to provide safeguards for individuals with psychiatric illnesses, including those accused under blasphemy laws. His tireless advocacy ensured its enactment, leaving an enduring mark on the country’s legal framework. Professor Haroon is survived by his devoted wife, Anis Haroon, his children, Nadia, Adnan, and Irfan, and a wide network of friends, disciples, mentees, and psychiatrists who continue his mission in Pakistan and around the globe. His life was a testament to service, compassion, and justice. While his absence leaves an irreplaceable void, his legacy will continue to illuminate the path for generations to come.
