Punjab

Sports arenas under Rawalpindi flyovers on the cards

Official launch contingent upon approval from Punjab govt

Imran Asghar November 24, 2023

Pakistani cricketers take part in a training session ahead of their third Test match against England at the National Stadium. photo: AFP

RAWALPINDI:

In a move to promote sports and utilise vacant spaces beneath the metro bus track, the Rawalpindi district administration has submitted a detailed plan to the Punjab government for the construction of a cricket arena and snooker play zone.

The initiative, proposed under a public-private partnership, involves collaboration with local businessmen and the district administration.

According to sources, the official launch of the project is contingent upon approval from the Punjab government. Identified empty spaces beneath the Chandni Chowk and Sixth Road flyovers will be transformed into sports facilities, providing opportunities for cricket and snooker enthusiasts.

The initiative aims to repurpose areas currently occupied by nomadic families, makeshift parking spaces, and locations frequented by drug addicts. Following the completion of the identification process, the administrative control of the cricket arena and snooker play zone will be under the Parks and Horticulture Authority.

The project envisions the provision of sports opportunities to the youth, with the cricket arena offering facilities for night tournaments.

By collecting minimum fees from players, the initiative aims to ensure accessibility while implementing a time frame formula for play durations, ranging from one to six hours, with different charges for day and night sessions.

Under the plan, the Rawalpindi administration will provide government space, while interested businessmen will be responsible for constructing necessary infrastructures. Commissioner Rawalpindi, Liaquat Ali Chatta, is actively involved in the project, maintaining close communication with the Punjab government to expedite the commencement of the initiative. Successful implementation of the cricket arena and snooker play zones in these spaces may pave the way for similar projects in other vacant areas beneath metro track bridges.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2023.