Renowned Psychiatrist Dr. Haroon Ahmed Passes Away at 94

Renowned psychiatrist Professor Syed Haroon Ahmed passed away on April 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness following a stroke. Born in 1931 in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, he was a pivotal figure in modern psychiatry in Pakistan. In 1965, he founded the Pakistan Association for Mental Health (PAMH) and co-founded the Pakistan Psychiatric Society in 1972. As a senior psychiatrist at Jinnah Hospital’s Ward 20, he significantly contributed to the development of psychiatric care. Beyond his medical contributions, Professor Ahmed was a fervent advocate for peace and human rights, notably campaigning against Pakistan’s nuclear armament in 1998 as president of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. He also played a crucial role in mental health law reform, leading to the passage of the Sindh Mental Health Act of 2013, which provided safeguards for individuals with psychiatric illnesses. He is survived by his wife and three children.