Army chief thanks star footballer for promoting sports in Pakistan

Developing football infrastructure is a welcome step, Gen Qamar says in meeting with Michael Owen

England football legend Michael Owen, who arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday on a two-day trip, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

“[The] COAS thanked him for visiting Pakistan & promoting sports particularly football,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted the army chief as saying

"Sports promote peace and this initiative for developing football infrastructure and young talent in Pakistan is a welcome step," Gen Qamar was cited by the military's media wing as saying during the meeting.

Football legend @themichaelowen met COAS today. COAS thanked him for visiting Pakistan & promoting sports particularly football. "Sports promote peace and this initiative for developing football infrastructure and young talent in Pakistan is a welcome step" COAS. pic.twitter.com/EJv5QCh4Pr

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) January 25, 2022

The former English footballer will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday and discuss a roadmap to develop football in the country.

Also read: Former English footballer Michael Owen joins Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive

The former Liverpool star will also meet PM’s special assistant Usman Dar to outline GSV’s football transformation programme for Pakistan.

معاون خصوصی عثمان ڈار کی انگلینڈ کے فٹبالر مائیکل اوون کے ہمراہ اہم نیوز کانفرنس۔@UdarOfficial @KamyabJawanPK https://t.co/hFg43nVDVy

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 25, 2022

Owen will visit Karachi on Thursday to attend a press conference at NED University, where he will perform a groundbreaking ceremony of Pakistan’s first-ever Soccer City.

Michael Owen said, “I am really excited to be at the helm of Pakistan’s largest football transformation programme and delighted to be discharged with the responsibility to take football to a whole new level in Pakistan”.

The former British footballer announced last December that he had joined the Pakistan’s Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive.