ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a high-profile round table discussion emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive national sports policy to harness the transformative power of sports to promote national unity and counter extremism.
Organized by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) in collaboration with the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) and Foundation University’s Department of Arts and Media, the event brought together prominent figures from Pakistan’s sports and policy-making communities. Collected in order to meet the challenges faced by the development of sports.
The roundtable, titled “Pakistan’s Sports Course: Achievements and Challenges,” highlighted major obstacles, including: neglect by policymakers and flawed development strategies. Inadequate facilities especially for lower level players.
Lack of coordination between government officials and stakeholders managing sports at the local and national levels. Speakers expressed concern over the absence of a strong grassroots system for identifying and nurturing talent and called for urgent reforms to revitalize Pakistan’s sports ecosystem.
Majority of the speakers criticized the policy makers for the unilateral decision and called for collective efforts and better coordination to help the emerging players to develop their skills. “Instead of spending huge financial resources on management, what is needed is to divert them towards improving the plight of the players,” the speakers said.
The event featured an impressive line-up of speakers and guests, including Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. Legendary players like Shahbaz Ahmed Sr., Shahnaz Sheikh, Sadaf Siddiqui, and Easam-ul-Haq Qureshi.
Former squash champion Qamar Zaman, Rizwan-ul-Haq, representatives of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), Dr. Uj Zahoor (Basketball) and other sports organizations also spoke on the occasion. Senior academics, leading sports journalists, and policy makers also participated in the dialogue, lending their expertise.
Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan emphasized sports as a unifying force, saying, “Sports promote cultural and religious diversity, teamwork, mutual respect and national harmony among individuals.” He also reiterated the government’s commitment to create opportunities for young athletes under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The event concluded with a collective commitment to promote sports as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s development, ensuring that its athletes shine at both the domestic and international levels.