KARACHI’S population has reached over 20 million with half of it comprising females. Then, a big percentage of it includes elderly citizens, toddlers and school-going children. As far as the youth is concerned, some remain glued to their computers while a section pursues sports.

Taking the above parameter into account, a small number of youth is left behind and involved in criminal and anti-social activities.

The Sindh Rangers has a challenging task to restore peace in the city of lights and by putting their weight behind the Sindh Boxing Association in staging the All-Sindh Boxing Championship at Abdullah Baloch boxing stadium at Peoples Sports Complex in Lyari recently, it realised that sports was the right tool to eradicate the menace and make it weapon-free.

The Lyariites have become familiar with the DG Sindh Rangers Maj Gen Bilal Akbar who besides visiting the venue time and again mingled with the people of all walks of life including a galaxy of stalwarts who have won laurels for the nation in sports. The 1972 Munich Olympian Malang Baloch was notable among them.

This reporter is a witness that personnel of Rangers who were deputed in and around the venue were all love and affection for the school children dressed in uniform who have turned up to watch the finals besides people of the locality.

The soldiers thoroughly enjoyed their dances on the famous Balochi songs. The Rangers top official also threw a lavish dinner in honour of all the participants and officials.

The whole exercise has sent a message loud and clear that the soldiers have no personal grudge against any cast or creed and it was their desire only to apprehend those who are involved in heinous crime.

The Rangers have authority to pull strings in their venture to set the house in order. While lending enough financial support to let the boxing event happen is a good omen it would be wise that if the DG sets up a sports cell whch, I am sure, can bring a positive change in the society.

The Rangers have set up a sports complex in North Nazimabad and regularly organise a lucrative squash tournament.

The sports cell should have multi-dimensional task which includes immediate restoration of the YMCA to its earlier position when it used to be thronged by sportsmen/sportswomen every evening, remove encroachments from stadia, set up an endowment fund with Rs10 million in fixed deposit which can be used for giving stipend to deserving athletes on merit, sports seats in city colleges be restored, government and multi-national firms be asked to raise teams, the provincial ministry of sports and youth affairs should be merged with education and ensure that funds set aside for sports should be spent honestly.

If it materialises, it is expected to change the present scenario and the people will be able to heave a sigh of relief.

Published in Dawn March 1st , 2015

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