The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved a Rs5.7 billion package to upgrade sports infrastructure for the upcoming South Asian Games in Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal chaired the CDWP meeting. The forum examined and reviewed the proposed projects before approving the package.
Officials described the decision as a major step towards the smooth and successful hosting of the regional multi-sport competition.
Pakistan Sports Complex set for major upgrades
The development package includes extensive improvements at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad. It also covers sports facilities in other host cities, although the government has not released a project-by-project cost breakdown.
Officials said the work would improve the quality, functionality and operational readiness of venues for athletes, officials and visiting teams.
The Pakistan Sports Complex includes Jinnah Stadium and several indoor and outdoor facilities.
Pakistan is preparing to host the 14th edition of the South Asian Games in 2027. The country previously staged the regional event in Islamabad in 1989 and 2004.
The 13th South Asian Games took place in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal, in December 2019.
IPC calls approval a major achievement
Secretary Inter Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani welcomed the CDWP decision. He thanked the prime minister and Planning Commission for supporting the effort to strengthen Pakistan’s sports infrastructure.
Wani said the investment would help Pakistan stage the Games efficiently while creating a lasting legacy for national athletes.
“The approval of the Rs. 5.7 billion infrastructure package is a major step forward for the successful hosting of the SAF Games. InshaAllah, the comprehensive upgradation of the Pakistan Sports Complex and other sports facilities across the country will ensure that our athletes and visiting teams are provided with quality facilities. These upgraded venues will also continue to benefit Pakistani sport long after the Games.”
The secretary said the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination would coordinate with the Planning Commission and all relevant stakeholders.
Focus shifts to timely completion
The government now faces the task of completing the approved projects before athletes and officials arrive in Pakistan.
The IPC Ministry said implementation would follow the technical and operational requirements of the South Asian Games. It also pledged close monitoring to keep construction and renovation work on schedule.
Timely completion will remain crucial because the programme involves venues in Islamabad and other cities. Delays could affect test events, athlete training and final preparations.
The investment comes as Pakistan seeks to improve ageing public sports facilities and provide better environments for elite athletes.
Officials expect the upgraded venues to continue hosting national camps, domestic championships and international competitions after the Games.
The CDWP approval allows the responsible agencies to move towards implementation. Authorities have not yet disclosed individual completion dates, procurement schedules or the allocation for each venue.
