LONDON: Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has called for greater public awareness around mental health, saying people still feel ashamed to discuss psychological illnesses and society needs to treat them like any other medical condition.
Speaking to media during an event hosted by the British Asian Trust in London, Khan stressed the importance of changing societal attitudes toward mental health issues.
She said mental illnesses should be recognized like physical diseases, adding that incidents of harassment and violence in society are condemnable and must be addressed through accountability and a shift in mindset.
The actress also shared details of her meeting with King Charles III, saying the monarch showed strong interest in the trust’s work.
“I had a very good conversation with King Charles. He thanked me for working with the British Asian Trust,” Khan said, adding that he appeared engaged and curious about her social work.
Khan described the British monarch as a “charming personality” and said he asked about ongoing initiatives and developments in the organization’s activities.