Minority youth, madrassa students to vie in Peshawar football league

Matches meant to create interfaith harmony among Pakistanis

PESHAWAR: In what can best be described as a historical first the students of a madrassa will play against minorities youth in a week-long football league which is set commence from Monday at Qayyum Sports Complex

Speaking to the media during his visit to the venue, the Football League  Organising Committee Chairman Shahid Khan Shinwari said that the arrangements have been given final touches and hopefully the league would be played in a befitting manner.

Flanked by Minority Board Tadeel, Itrat Nazir Chairman Kirpal Singh, Sarhad and Darwash Madrassa Head Maulana Hifzullah, Qari Saif Ullah, former Pakistan team skipper Aajiz Shakoor and Arshad Khan, Shinwari said that the aim and objective of the event are to create interfaith harmony among all Pakistanis.

He said minorities have rendered great sacrifices for Pakistan He said minorities' youth have great talent and they surely need exposure and such opportunities to come and show their hidden talent at national and international levels. He said the youth of madrassas are full of talent but they also lack opportunities that is why we have taken the decision to involve the youth of madrassa and minorities.                  "We want to give a message of peace to the rest of the world and show the world that minorities are fully secure and their rights have been protected at all levels in Pakistan,"  Karpal Singh said.                   Maulana Hifzullah of Sarhad and Darwash Madrasa said that the students of madrassas are fully capable to take part in healthy sports activities. He also appreciated Shinwari for supporting the youth of madrassas and minorities. It would further help in cementing brotherhood and harmony among all because we are all Pakistanis, Maulana Hifzullah added.

Itrat Nazir, Tadeel on this occasion disclosed that they have selected the two minorities teams from all across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and opportunities would be given to Sikhs, Hindus, Christians, and other ministries youth to take active part in the football league.  

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2019.