ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved a Rs5.7 billion development package for the upgradation of sports infrastructure ahead of the South Asian (SA) Games to be hosted by Pakistan.
The package, approved at a meeting of the CDWP chaired by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, includes major improvement and development projects at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad as well as sports facilities in other cities.
The approval is being viewed as a major step towards ensuring that Pakistan has venues fully equipped to host the regional multi-sport event, with the proposed work aimed at improving the quality, functionality and overall readiness of the facilities.
Secretary Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani termed the approval a major achievement, saying the substantial investment would help ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the SAF Games while also leaving behind a lasting legacy for Pakistan’s sporting community.
“The approval of the Rs5.7 billion infrastructure package is a major step forward for the successful hosting of the SAF Games,” Wani said. He said the comprehensive upgradation of the Pakistan Sports Complex and other sports facilities would provide Pakistani athletes and visiting teams with quality venues and facilities.
Wani added that the upgraded infrastructure would continue to benefit Pakistan’s athletes and sporting community long after the conclusion of the SAF Games. The Secretary IPC appreciated the leadership and support extended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Planning Commission for strengthening the country’s sports infrastructure.
He said the Ministry of IPC would work closely with the Planning Commission and all relevant stakeholders to ensure timely implementation and completion of the approved projects in accordance with the requirements of the SAF Games.
The Rs5.7 billion package is expected to give a major boost to Pakistan’s preparations for the regional Games and address long-standing infrastructure requirements at key sporting venues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given the go-ahead for the release of around Rs11 billion to facilitate the successful organisation of the 14th South Asian Games, paving the way for Pakistan to begin full-scale preparations for the regional sporting spectacle.
According to the proposed financial plan, around Rs5.7 billion will be spent on the renovation, upgrading and modernisation of existing sports facilities and infrastructure in Islamabad and Lahore, while another Rs6 billion has been allocated for operational expenses, including the establishment of the Games Secretariat, transportation of participating teams, boarding and lodging arrangements, logistics, ceremonies and other organisational expenditure.
