WPA Congratulates Professor Afzal Javed

Prof Afzal Javed, past president of World Psychiatric Association (2020-23), has been included in His Majesty King’s Honours List released by the palace on King’s birthday (14th June 2025) in London, UK.

He is awarded OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) - one of the highest British Civil awards for his services to mental health. Order of the British Empire (OBEs) was established in 1917 by King George V, grandfather of the late queen and great-grandfather of current UK monarch, King Charles III. The United Kingdom’s honours system rewards those who have rendered significant service to the country with a distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field.

The awardees are rewarded for their achievement, contributions and service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally and have done prominent service to the country in the fields of arts, science or charitable causes.

Professor Javed is a distinguished lifetime practitioner in the field of mental health and has been a role model for young professional colleagues with his leadership role in WPA along with his enthusiasm and dedication for promoting mental health as a discipline around the globe. As past president of WPA, he has been a passionate advocate for mentally ill patients’ families and carers, calling for compassion, human dignity and understanding of their rights. He has played a pivotal role in multiple mental health charities, in UK &and Pakistan.

Dr Afzal Javed was also conferred with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz by Government of Pakistan in 2023 in recognition of his national, regional and international services for the promotion and advancement of mental health.