Punjab minister seeks plan on sports complex fees and staffing in Rawalpindi Division

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Sports Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar on Sunday directed the divisional sports officer to prepare detailed proposals on fee structures and staff shortages at sports complexes in all tehsils of Rawalpindi Division, as part of efforts to improve administration and service delivery.

During a visit to the Tehsil Sports Complex at Dhobi Ghat in Murree, the minister reviewed available facilities, administrative matters and infrastructure at the site. Officials briefed him on sports activities at the complex, the facilities currently in place and its operational needs.

He inspected the various sections of the complex and issued instructions for improvements. These included orders for the immediate repair or replacement of a damaged basketball ring and a broken glass panel at the swimming pool. He said it was the department’s responsibility to keep all sports facilities fully functional and to treat that task as a priority.

The minister also directed that non-functional and damaged lights at sports complexes be repaired and restored as soon as possible so athletes could use the facilities in a suitable environment. He said the contractor concerned should complete the work within the specified period, after which the Project Management Unit would submit a compliance report.

Missing facilities to be added to development plan

Taking notice of facilities not currently available at the Murree complex, Mr Khokhar instructed officials to include spectator shades, practice cricket pitches, GI fencing and other required amenities in the development plan and begin the process for their provision.

He said quality, modern sports infrastructure was important for developing young talent and encouraging healthy sporting activity. He added that the Punjab government was taking serious steps to modernise the sports sector and improve management of sports facilities across the province.

The minister said sports complexes would gradually be moved towards a sustainable and self-supporting operational model aimed at better maintenance, continued improvement and more efficient handling of running costs.

Murree tehsil sports officer post to be processed

Mr Khokhar also announced that the appointment of a tehsil sports officer for Murree would be processed immediately on a priority basis in order to strengthen local sports administration and facilitate athletes.

Referring to the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, he said the provincial government was committed to reviving sports grounds across Punjab, involving young people in positive activities and providing high-standard sports facilities. He also reaffirmed the government’s intention to promote sports at every level and create more opportunities for young athletes to perform at national and international platforms.