Stadium name yet to be reverted
File photo
The name of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar has not been restored despite clear instructions from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) cabinet recently renamed the stadium Imran Khan Cricket Stadium. However, Imran Khan opposed this decision and, from Adiala Jail, directed the provincial government to revert the name. Despite several weeks passing, the change has not been reversed.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated that the stadium was renamed in response to public demand and that he intends to discuss the matter with Imran Khan. However, he has been unable to meet with him so far.
In February, former mayor of Peshawar Arbab Tariq, the son of the late Arbab Niaz, announced plans to file a writ petition against the provincial government's decision to rename the stadium.
The provincial cabinet's move has faced strong opposition from both the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Arbab family. PPP MPA Arbab Zarak Khan has also expressed his opposition, while Arbab Niaz's son has confirmed his intention to challenge the decision in court.