ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move to reclaim the spirit of public sports, newly-appointed Secretary Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Moinuddin Wani Thursday issued firm directives to open the gates of the Pakistan Sports Complex — dismantling all the barriers, visible and invisible, which have long denied access to students and the general public.

This bold step comes in response to the controversial restrictions imposed during the tenure of Yasir Peerzada as Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), under which the Complex was turned into an exclusive zone for members only. Students and the wider public were effectively shut out, sparking criticism over the elitist use of public sports facilities.

Wani’s directives signal return to inclusivity, aiming to restore the Complex to its true purpose — a hub for national health, youth engagement, and sporting excellence for all.

On the directives of the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, a pivotal meeting was convened, chaired by Secretary IPC, to promote sports facilities in federal government and private schools.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Director General of Sports, representatives from the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), Federal Board, and Inter-Board Commission of Pakistan (IBCC).

The decisions taken in the meeting include lifting of restrictions: Invisible and visible restrictions on the use of sports facilities at the Pakistan Sports Complex paving the way for optimal utilization.

It was decided that the PSB will collaborate with FDE, Federal Board, and IBCC to develop a comprehensive timetable for sports in Islamabad. It was also decided to create a cadre of boys and girls trained in a competitive environment, promoting sports development in the region.

The Ministry for Inter-Provincial Coordination will establish sports facilities in Islamabad schools and provide sports equipment wherever possible. The director general of the sports board will lead this initiative and head the implementation committee. These steps have been taken to promote sports development, foster a culture of physical education, and encourage healthy lifestyles among students. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating sports into educational institutions, promoting holistic development among students, and nurturing future sports talent in Pakistan.