PHOTO: FILE
Addressing a ceremony held to mark the inauguration of the RCCI T20 championship at the Rawalpindi Stadium, the federal minister said the government was determined to work for the elevation of all departments.
“We will not only uplift the country on the economic front but also work on all other sectors,” the minister said.
“The most pressing issues including terrorism have been addressed and now we need to restore our playgrounds and bring our youth back into sports so that the country can progress in all departments.”
The minister lauded the efforts of the prime minister for restoration of political and economic stability in the country and said that the ministers were also doing their best under his leadership.
Mirza remarked that the menace of terrorism had finally been eliminated, and expressed hope that playgrounds would get back their lost glory.
“An organised conspiracy in the past left our playgrounds deserted,” she said.
“We need to persuade the youngsters to come and play in grounds rather than spend their leisure time on phones and other electronic devices.”
Highlighting the importance of sports, she said, “Sports and tourism have assumed the status of industry all over the world and contribute billions of rupees to national income. But it is sad that previous governments have ignored these areas.”
The sports minister said foreigners were now coming to Pakistan and were willing to make investments in the country.
“Now the investors are returning to Pakistan and all we need is to ensure a congenial atmosphere for them,” she said.
Mirza reiterated that the “government would take into confidence all stakeholders for uplifting our youth, especially women and what is required is to promote coordination between the provinces so that players get a chance to perform in different regions”.
The federal minister said the recent supplementary finance bill provided opportunities from which the people should benefit.
Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Malik Shahid also spoke on the occasion and expressed hope that the country’s economic situation would improve after the announcement of the supplementary finance bill.
The championship will continue for 20 days with participation from 76 clubs.
The final of the tournament and will be played on February 16.
The tournament is being organised in collaboration with the city district government and sports and cricket associations.
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