Sindh’s Provincial Minister for Sports, Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar, has demanded that the federal government hand over the PSB Coaching Centre Karachi to the province, stating that “after the 18th Amendment, this center rightfully belongs to Sindh.”
Chehra WebDesk
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Karachi
Sindh’s Provincial Minister for Sports, Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar, has demanded that the federal government hand over the PSB Coaching Centre Karachi to the province, stating that “after the 18th Amendment, this center rightfully belongs to Sindh.”
He emphasized that the Sindh government is utilizing all available resources to promote sports in the province, and in line with the devolution of powers under the federal structure, sports institutions should fall under provincial jurisdiction. He expressed these views while speaking to journalists after inspecting the arrangements at the National Stadium, KMC Secretariat, and the swimming pool venue for the opening and closing ceremonies.
Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar stated that the National Games are returning to Karachi after 18 years. “Our main focus is the opening and closing ceremonies. Today’s visit aimed to closely review the preparations for these events and the Secretariat.” He added that the torch relay will begin on November 15 from Mazar-e-Quaid under the leadership of Syed Murad Ali Shah and will travel across Pakistan before returning to Karachi.
The minister announced that 14 teams will participate in the National Games—7 provincial and 7 departmental teams. Teams from Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan will take part in the event.
“Sindh’s preparations are complete,” said Sardar Mahar. “More than 11,000 athletes will be provided with top-notch facilities, and special security arrangements have been made.”
He further shared that the National Games will feature athletics, hockey, football, volleyball, boxing, badminton, shooting, kabaddi, tug of war, swimming, weightlifting, and other sports. All sports venues are being equipped with modern facilities to ensure the best environment for athletes.
Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar announced that the opening ceremony will be inaugurated by Asif Ali Zardari, while Shehbaz Sharif will be invited to attend the closing ceremony.
He also revealed that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will make a special appearance at the e-games event in November to promote digital gaming.
The minister added that the Sindh government has launched a subsidy package worth Rs. 55 billion for farmers. From November 1 to 20, urea will be provided to each farmer at Rs. 24,000. The province had requested the federal government to set the wheat support price at Rs. 4,000 per 40kg, but the federal rate was fixed at Rs. 3,500.
The visit was attended by Secretary Sports Munawar Ali Mahesar, Director Sports Asad Ishaq, Chief Engineer Aslam Mahar, Sindh Olympic Association’s Ahmed Ali Rajput, Asghar Baloch, DS, Ismail Shah, and other officials. The provincial minister was given a detailed briefing on all event arrangements.
