ISLAMABAD: The much delayed sports policy of the country has been approved by the Federal Cabinet – a few days before the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The sports policy was part of the agenda item of the Cabinet meeting, which could not take place due to the no-confidence motion moved by the joint opposition against the government.

“Our sports policy was approved through circulation by the Federal Cabinet today. This policy is meant to bring about improvement in the country’s sports sector,” Pakistan Sports Board director general retired Col Asif Zaman told Dawn on Friday.

He said the PSB would implement this policy in true spirit in order to promote sports.

Meanwhile talking about the policy, Federal Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination (IPC) Dr Fehmida Mirza said the PSB was being strengthened through the new sports policy.

“We had our last sports policy in 2005, and since sport is a devolved subject so it’s important to come up with an inclusive policy which caters to the needs of everyone. We reconstituted a new board and everyone on board is entirely on merit. By ensuring merit, we are empowering the PSB,” Fehmida said at a ceremony for the inauguration of Elite Pool Portal and that of a boxing gym.

Several national sports federations have raised questions over the proposed sports policy, as according to them, through this policy the role of the IPC ministry and the PSB would dominate the federations, while claiming that the federations and related departments would come under direct control of the IPC and PSB.

The PSB director general, however, said the board would assist the federations for improvement in sports.

Answering a question about the government-backed election commission in the policy, which will get the elections of the federations conducted, Col Asif said the election commission would be headed by a retired judge who would work independently.

He also confirmed that under the new policy a dispute resolution commission would also be formed.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2022