PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has emphasized the importance of promoting sports as a means to steer Pakistan’s younger generation away from extremism and intolerance. He stressed the need for transparent and fair use of sports funds to nurture real talent and improve the state of sports in the province.
A delegation of the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation, led by President Amjad Aziz Malik and Secretary General Asghar Azeem met with the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, at the Governor House in Peshawar. During the meeting, various issues related to sports development were discussed in detail.
Governor Kundi highlighted the urgent need for transparent and equitable use of sports funds to discover and nurture genuine talent. He expressed concern over the current state of sports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the absence of first-class cricket in the region for the past 15 years, which he noted has obstructed the growth of young athletes and the overall sports infrastructure.
The Governor underscored the cultural and historical significance of Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan, noting that while these areas have rich legacies as centers of ancient civilizations, they have recently struggled with a resurgence of terrorism. He emphasized the importance of leveraging sports as a tool for positive engagement, aiming to steer youth away from extremism and build a more inclusive and vibrant society.
Governor Kundi emphasized his commitment to promoting cultural heritage, empowering women, and involving the youth in the province’s developmental activities. He also called for greater encouragement at the district level to help talented youth participate in international competitions, thereby bringing recognition to Pakistan.
Governor Kundi reflected on the support shown by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during his recent visit to Peshawar. Bhutto Zardari met with athletes from the province, encouraging and supporting them, which, according to Kundi, was a positive step toward revitalizing sports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In response to recent social media criticism regarding his support for a female squash player associated with an opposition political party’s MPA, Governor Kundi reiterated his commitment to valuing talent regardless of political affiliations. He stated that sports have the power to engage youth in constructive activities and project a positive image of the province.
Governor Kundi also said that PCB Chairman and Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi has promised the establishment of cricket academies in Peshawar and Abbottabad, with future plans to expand to Dera Ismail Khan and Swat. He noted Abbottabad’s favorable climate and natural beauty, suggesting that the development of a world-class hotel and stadium there would not only benefit local athletes but also attract international teams.
The meeting concluded with the sports writers expressing their appreciation for Governor Kundi’s and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s initiatives. They expressed hope that these efforts would lead to significant advancements in the province’s sports sector and contribute to its overall development.
