Pakistan football gets FIFA boost as two international standard fields planned

Pakistan football received a major boost after the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) was informed

Islamabad: Pakistan football received a major boost after the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) was informed that FIFA’s Vice President has committed financial support for the establishment of at least two modern football fields in Pakistan. The committee, however, raised concerns over unequal sports facilities and said football development should not remain limited to a few cities.

The information was shared during the 13th meeting of the Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination held at Parliament House, Islamabad, under the acting chairmanship of Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, MNA.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination briefed lawmakers about ongoing sports development plans, including efforts to improve football infrastructure and provide better opportunities for young players across Pakistan.

Officials informed the committee that FIFA’s Vice President had promised financial assistance for building at least two state of the art football grounds in the country. The move is expected to help improve football training facilities and provide young players with better opportunities to develop their skills.

The committee was also informed that the government has allocated Rs1.94 billion to the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the upcoming financial year. The ministry has also requested an additional Rs6 billion for hosting the South Asian Games (SAF Games) in Pakistan next year.

Officials told the committee that a National Coaching Training Programme would begin next month to prepare young coaches and improve sports training at the grassroots level.

The ministry said sports federations are also working on school level competitions and talent hunt programmes to discover young athletes. Under these initiatives, students are being provided sports equipment, including kits, hockey sticks and tracksuits, with support from public-private partnerships.

The committee was informed that allowances for Pakistani athletes competing internationally have been increased three times, while Pakistan’s missions abroad have been directed to support national players and help them continue their professional development.

However, lawmakers expressed concern that most sports training camps and facilities are still concentrated in Punjab and Islamabad. They said this situation limits opportunities for talented players from other provinces, especially those from areas with fewer resources.

The committee directed the government to ensure equal distribution of sports facilities across all provinces. Members specifically called for the establishment of modern sports complexes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan so young athletes from these regions can also receive professional training.

The committee emphasized that football and other sports should become accessible to youth across Pakistan rather than being limited to major urban centres. Members also recommended that the Council of Common Interests (CCI) consider using a portion of funds provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), currently focused mainly on health and education sectors, for sports development.

The committee said investment in sports infrastructure could improve physical fitness, mental health and provide young people with opportunities to represent Pakistan internationally.

The committee decided to invite provincial sports secretaries to the next meeting to discuss their plans for sports development. Members stressed that provincial governments have a major role in improving sports facilities and creating a unified national strategy.

Officials and lawmakers said stronger cooperation between federal and provincial authorities is necessary to develop football and other sports in Pakistan.