Imran resents closure of educational institutions

PM’s visits to Hazara, Bannu

Directs KP govt to take action; inaugurates
Under-23 games, vows more funds for education, sports 

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Tuesday took strong exception to the closure of universities and other educational institutions during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visits to Hazara and Bannu and directed the provincial government to take action against those responsible for closing the seats of learning for political gatherings.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Under-23 Games at the Peshawar Sports Complex here, he said the closure of universities was an unjustifiable act. He asked the provincial government to ensure an end to the process of closing educational institutions for political purposes.

The PTI chairman was of the opinion that they would set example for the whole country by spending more funds on education and sports. He said the process of establishing sports grounds at every tehsil in the province was at their final stage. After the completion of grounds at tehsil-level, more grounds would be established at the union council level, he added.

Imran Khan said that the provincial government had focused attention on improving the conditions of schools and grounds were being constructed at every educational institution.

Provincial ministers Mahmood Khan, Atif Khan, Shah Farman, Advisor to chief minister on Information Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, Chief Secretary Amjad Ali Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Muhammad Azam Khan, Additional Secretary Sports Tariq Khan, Director General Sports Rashida Ghaznavi and others were also present.

He said that he had been in politics for 20 years and he has never accepted defeat. A man suffers defeat when he loses heart and accept defeat, he said, urging the young players to continue struggle without thinking about victory and loss.

The PTI chairman was of the opinion that sports and life was the name of competition. “Victory and loss are parts of the game. One becomes a champion by learning lesson for his defeat, but for the purpose he will have to wage more struggle,” Imran maintained.

Over 3000 male and female players are participating in the three-day sports gala. The Directorate of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has arranged the event to hunt talented players and bring them to the forth to explore and exploit their abilities and potential in a proper way.

The logo and trophy have already been displayed at Abbottabad, Mardan, Kohat, Swat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan divisions and subsequently inter-district competitions were held.

The aim of unveiling the logo and trophy was aimed at creating awareness among the under 23 players, both male and female, of various games to participate.The outstanding players would be given prizes, trophies and sports kits at the end of the gala.

Earlier, committees were formed in Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Swat, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat and other districts, which carried out the process of players’ selection in a transparent manner.

A large number of players across the province participated in the thrilling competitions and the male and female players were given equal opportunities in the sports.

The games for men include cricket, football, volleyball, hockey, squash, badminton, table tennis, boxing, athletics, gymnastic, judo, karate and taekwondo.  Cricket, netball, hockey, basketball, squash, badminton, table tennis, athletic, judo, wushu and taekwondo games are for women.