AFC President calls for united efforts to lift Pakistan football

ISLAMABAD: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President and FIFA Senior Vice President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has emphasised the need for a clear roadmap and joint efforts from all stakeholders to put Pakistan football back on the path of progress, saying the time has come to “forget the past and focus on the present and future.”

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan and Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsin Gilani, Sheikh Salman lauded Pakistan’s passion for football and the restoration of an elected football body, calling it “a major step towards stability and revival of the sport.”

He said that constructive discussions were held with the PFF leadership on various development and infrastructure projects, adding that the AFC would continue extending all possible technical and financial support to strengthen football in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is a country of over 250 million people with a massive youth population that can become a valuable asset for football’s growth,” Sheikh Salman remarked. “The infrastructure needs improvement, but I am confident that with unity and focus, the situation will improve and Pakistan will soon make its mark on the Asian football map.”

The FIFA Vice President also praised Pakistan’s hospitality, saying he was “delighted to visit a nation with such deep love for the beautiful game.” He expressed optimism that football could serve as a unifying force in Pakistan, capable of bringing people together under one goal development and excellence.

He further noted that the AFC’s broader aim was to use sports, particularly football, to channel the energy and talent of youth in a positive direction. “Football is not just a game; it is a tool for social cohesion, discipline, and national pride,” Sheikh Salman said.

Welcoming the AFC President, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said that Pakistan football had suffered from prolonged administrative crises and bans in the past eight years, but the government was committed to reviving sports and creating new opportunities for youth. “The visit of FIFA and AFC leadership is a strong signal of international confidence in Pakistan’s sporting future,” Mashhood said.