Pakistan’s world class cricket star Shahid Khan Afridi represented the Punjab govt at Pakistan Pavilion in Dubai Expo 2020 on Monday.
Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti, Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Department Punjab Fuad Hashim Rabbani, Director General Sports Punjab Javed Chohan, Chairman Private-Public Partnership Authority and other top officials were also present on this occasion.
Director General Sports Punjab Javed Chohan briefed the participants about Punjab govt’s policy and future planning regarding building of international sports facilities and infrastructure in the province during a ceremony organized at Pakistan Pavilion under the banner of Sports and Youth Affairs Department Punjab.
A detailed panel discussion was also conducted on this occasion to share valuable suggestions and ideas for the development of sports culture in the province. The construction of a 5-star hotel, potential of Public-Private Partnership, opportunities for investors in the construction of sports complexes at divisional and district level also came under discussion.
While addressing the participants of a ceremony at Pakistan Pavilion, Shahid Afridi appreciated the measures taken by Punjab Govt for the promotion of sports in the province. “Sports and Youth Affairs Department Punjab is playing a key role for the promotion of sports culture among the young generation and expanding the network of sports infrastructure in the province. International construction companies should invest in Punjab’s world class sports projects”.
Addressing the participants, Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said that historic measures including international standard projects have been taken for the growth of sports culture in the province. “There are great opportunities for investors to invest in our projects”.
Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti further said that an international level 5-star hotel is being constructed in Nishtar Park Sports Complex. “After the construction of a 5-star hotel, we will be able to organise all of our sports events including international cricket matches at Gaddafi Stadium in a peaceful atmosphere”.
Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti informed the participants that the Punjab govt is also constructing the first ever Olympic Village of national history in Lahore. “The establishment of Olympic Village will help a lot in taking Pakistan sports to international standard and in this regard we invite international construction companies to invest in our world class sports projects,” he added.
He said: “We are making detailed discussion with representatives of the corporate sector for the promotion of the sports industry in Punjab. We need to build close liaison with the business community and all stakeholders and in this way we can enhance the prospects of a bright future for the sports industry in Punjab”.
The participants of the ceremony were also shown sports documentaries of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department Punjab on this occasion which they appreciated a lot.