Corruption won’t be tolerated in Youth Affairs Dept: minister

LAHORE:The Punjab province is entering in a new era and the provincial youth affairs ministry will utilise all of its resources for the promotion of healthy activities and welfare of sports community; these views were expressed by newly appointed Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Faisal Khokhar in his first press conference after assuming his charge at National Hockey Stadium on Friday.

Secretary Youth Affairs Punjab Raja Jahangir Anwer, DG Youth Affairs Punjab Dr Asif Tufail, Director Youth Affairs Rana Nadeem Anjum, Director Sports Yasmeen Akhtar and other officials were also present on this occasion.

Addressing the press conference, Faisal Khokhar said that there will be zero tolerance on corruption in Punjab’s Youth Affairs Department. “It is Punjab Chief Minister's Red Line and we will ensure transparency at every level in Punjab’s sports affairs. Implementing thorough discipline in Punjab Youth Affairs Department is also among our top priority. Ghost employees have no place in the Youth Affairs Department”, Provincial Sports Minister Punjab added.

Khokhar said that bringing the children, who are spoiling their time in electronic gadgets like mobile and lap top, to the fields is the first priority. “All possible resources will be provided to players to participate in national and international sports competitions. Youth Affairs and Youth Affairs Department Punjab will spread the awareness about negative impacts of electronic devices. The talented youth are a valuable asset of our country and we should utilize all of our resources to make them useful citizens of the society”.

Faisal Khokhar said a top class sports complex will be built in every city of Punjab on the pattern of Lahore city. “I’m sports minister of whole Punjab not only Lahore and that’s why we will put our focus equally on all cities of the province and their sports structure”.

Khokhar further said that the traditional and regional village sports will also be revived. “According to the vision of Chief Minister Punjab, grounds will also be built in villages. International coaches will also be invited to train our athletes. We are also preparing a roadmap for the whole year to engage the youth in healthy sports activities”. Elaborating further Khokhar said that every officer and employee of Punjab Youth Affairs Department will be accountable for their performance. “We will also take all important steps to resolve funding issues”. He added that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has special focus on youth.