Karachi, 12th November 2024 — The Legal Aid Society (LAS) and Sehat Kahani under Community Innovation Hub (Private) Limited have partnered to address the mental health needs of individuals navigating the justice system. This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the LAS Head Office in Karachi, represents a key step in integrating psychological support with legal assistance to support people facing the challenges of mediation, arbitration, criminal cases including Gender-based violence and other legal proceedings.
This collaboration underscores the importance of accessible mental health and psychosocial services as a vital part of effective legal support. By combining LAS’s expertise in legal advocacy with Sehat Kahani’s digital mental health services, the initiative aims to provide comprehensive care to individuals undergoing judicial procedures, recognizing the emotional toll these processes often impose.
The MoU establishes a framework to offer mental health resources through Sehat Kahani’s digital platforms, connecting users with trained therapists skilled in trauma-informed care. This includes specialized support for those navigating stressful legal pathways, cases of Gender-based violence and other criminal offenses. LAS will complement this mental health support by providing guidance on legal rights, ensuring that justice seekers are equipped with psychological resilience and informed access to justice.
The signing ceremony was attended by leaders from both organizations, including Barrister Haya Emaan Zahid, CEO of Legal Aid Society; Dr. Sara Khurram, CEO of Sehat Kahani; Nirdosh Kumar, COO of LAS; and Dr. Iffat, COO of Sehat Kahani.
Sehat Kahani, known for its commitment to accessible healthcare, will play a crucial role in delivering this support digitally. “Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being, especially for those engaged in complex and often stressful legal processes,” said a Sehat Kahani representative. Dr. Sara Khurram, CEO of Sehat Kahani, praised the LAS-developed NAZ Assist chatbot, stating, “It is essential to digitize legal and psychological support to make these resources available to everyone.”
The partnership between LAS and Sehat Kahani marks a significant advancement toward creating a supportive framework for individuals seeking justice. Together, both organizations are committed to providing critical mental health resources and simplifying pathways to legal assistance. This collaboration sets a model for integrating mental well-being with legal empowerment, supporting individuals across Pakistan in their journey toward justice.
