KARACHI: At least 21 departments have been directed to establish their sports teams in various disciplines and inform the authorities concerned in federal government about the details.
A letter of the federal government issued by Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on May 27 has been sent to the heads of 21 departments across the country. In 2022, the then federal government led by PM Shahbaz Sharif issued clear cut orders on the revival of sports departmental teams in various disciplines.
But a number of departments, especially commercial banks, did not pay attention to the directives. Informed sources said that the order issued on May 27 is a reminder for those heads of the departments who did not take any interest in the reestablishment of sports teams in any discipline.
Sources said that complaints were lodged in the federal government that heads of departments are the real hurdle in the formation of sports teams. Sources said that the PM has asked the departments to provide figures of budget allocation for sports year wise, number and names of the sports disciplines revived by the department, and number of sportsperson employed with name and disciplines (contract or regular).
It is interesting to note that these departments and banks sponsor huge amounts of money in any sporting activity but do not establish their own sports teams despite having wonderful sports stadiums, gymnasiums and sports grounds.
Sources said that the letter for the revival of sports teams has been sent to those as well which have established their sports squads. They are required to send the details of their sports teams.
The letter has been sent to chairman PIA, the President National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), the chairman WAPDA, the chairman HEC, the secretary/ chairman Railway, the chairman FBR, the IG Punjab, the IG Sindh, the IG KP, the IG Baluchistan, the IG Gilgit Baltistan, the IG AJK,the president Zari Taraqiati Bank, the Director General Sports KRL, the chairman KPT, the MD SNGPL, the MD SSGCL, the chairman Civil Aviation, the Director Sports Pakistan Army, the Director sports Pakistan Air Force and the Director Sports Pakistan Navy .