KARACHI: Synapse Pakistan Neuroscience Institute has announced the return of Unplugged 2025, the country’s only youth-led concert dedicated to mental health awareness. The event will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Aga Khan University (AKU).
Organized by Synapse Pakistan Neuroscience Institute and hosted by the Aga Khan University – Brain & Mind Institute (AKU-BMI), in collaboration with the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) and Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture (IVS), Unplugged 2025 aims to inspire young Pakistanis to break the silence around mental health through creativity, conversation, and connection.
With 64% of Pakistan’s population under 30, mental health challenges among youth have become a national concern. Experts estimate that over 30 million young Pakistanis are silently struggling, while only 0.4% of the national health budget is allocated to mental health. Despite the passage of the National Mental Health Policy and Ordinance (2001), implementation remains weak — and there are fewer than 10 child and adolescent psychiatrists across the country.
“Over 60% of our population is under 30, and a quarter of them are experiencing mental health distress,” said Dr. Ayesha Mian, Founder & CEO of Synapse Pakistan. “This urgent need can no longer be ignored. Unplugged is a space where young people can take agency and call for better mental health for all.”
Dr. Zul Merali, Founding Director of AKU-BMI, added that Unplugged provides “a creative space to raise awareness, share stories, and spark honest conversations about mental health,” emphasizing the importance of transforming dialogue into meaningful action.
Now in its third year, Unplugged continues to grow as a collaborative initiative involving students, educators, and civil society partners. Since its sold-out debut in 2023, the concert has evolved into a movement — reaching more than 100,000 people through live and digital platforms, and celebrating music, hope, and human connection.
