Committee Directs Establishment of Modern Sports Complexes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Stresses Stronger Coordination Between the Federation and Provinces
Islamabad (Izhar Khan Niazi): The 13th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination was held at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Acting Chairman Sheikh Aftab Ahmad. The committee reviewed the performance of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, ongoing development projects, and measures being taken to promote sports across the country.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination informed the committee that the Vice President of FIFA had pledged financial assistance for the establishment of at least two modern football grounds in Pakistan. He further stated that Rs. 1.94 billion has been allocated to the ministry under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the upcoming fiscal year, while an additional Rs. 6 billion has been requested from the federal government to ensure the successful hosting of the upcoming SAF Games in Pakistan next year.
The committee was informed that the National Coaching Training Programme for young coaches will be launched next month. It was also briefed that various sports federations are organizing school-level competitions, talent hunt programmes, and providing sports equipment, hockey sticks, tracksuits, and other facilities through public-private partnerships.
The committee was further informed that the daily allowance for national athletes representing Pakistan abroad has been increased threefold. In addition, Pakistani diplomatic missions overseas have been directed to extend full support to national athletes during their international engagements.
The committee expressed concern that the majority of sports training facilities and camps are concentrated in Punjab and Islamabad. It directed that the headquarters of sports federations and training centres be established across all provinces on an equitable basis to ensure equal opportunities for young athletes throughout the country.
The committee also directed the ministry to establish modern sports complexes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan so that talented youth from these provinces can benefit from world-class training facilities.
During the meeting, it was also recommended that the Council of Common Interests (CCI) consider allocating an appropriate share of funds provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the promotion of sports, with the objective of strengthening sports infrastructure, nurturing young talent, and improving physical and mental health.
The committee decided to summon all Provincial Secretaries for Sports to its next meeting to brief members on the measures being taken to promote sports in their respective provinces. It emphasized that effective coordination between the federal and provincial governments is essential for developing a unified and comprehensive national strategy for the promotion of sports across Pakistan.