Maternal mental health is a critical but often neglected issue in Pakistan, with profound consequences not only for mothers but also for their children and society. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common during and after pregnancy, yet they frequently go undiagnosed. Research shows that 30-40 per cent of women in Pakistan experience postpartum depression, far exceeding the global average of 10-15 per cent. Despite this, the topic remains taboo according to Dr Zaheena Shamsul Islam, an assistant professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Healthcare providers must prioritise mental health screenings as part of routine maternity care. In Karachi, trials led by Aga Khan University and Grand Challenges Canada used lay health workers to deliver cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for postpartum depression. Mothers who received CBT-based support saw a 40-50 per cent reduction in depressive symptoms, highlighting the power of community-based interventions.