Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rizwan, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wah, appeared as a guest expert on the Islamabad Capital Police Radio Channel Podcast to discuss the theme, “The Unseen Storm: Climate Change and Our Mental Health,” on 25 July 2026. Dr. Muhammad Sajjad Khan hosted the session.
During the podcast, Prof. Dr. Rizwan highlighted the psychological consequences of climate-induced disasters in Pakistan, emphasizing the rising incidence of eco-anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and emotional distress among affected populations. In his talk, he also referred to a study conducted by one of his students that focused on women who survived a cloudburst in Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study found that an eight-session Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program significantly reduced symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. These findings highlight the importance of evidence-based psychological interventions in the recovery process following disasters.
Prof. Dr. Rizwan urged the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and relevant policymakers to integrate mental health services into disaster management frameworks through the deployment of licensed clinical psychologists. He also offered the expertise of the PRIME Wellness Centre, University of Wah, to provide consultancy and psychological support to partner organizations working in disaster response and rehabilitation.
The session concluded with Prof. Dr. Rizwan expressing his appreciation to Dr. Muhammad Sajjad Khan and the Islamabad Capital Police Podcast team for providing a platform to raise awareness about the mental health dimensions of climate change.
