LAHORE: The Punjab government has earmarked a massive Rs50 billion for the construction of the Maryam Nawaz Sports City in Lahore in the Punjab government’s 2026-27 fiscal budget.
The project was announced during the budget presented in the Punjab Assembly by Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman on Tuesday.
According to budget documents, the Sports City will be established in the area being developed by the Ravi Urban Development Authority (Ruda).
Overall, 110 ongoing and new sports infrastructure schemes are planned across the province, for which Rs5.50 billion has been allocated. The government has also allocated funds for the construction of commercial shops in and around the Nishtar Sports Complex, Lahore in an effort to generate revenue. However, the initiative may struggle to achieve its intended objectives, as business activity in the area remains limited due to frequent security restrictions imposed whenever international cricket matches are held at the Gaddafi Stadium.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had vacated all rented shops around Gaddafi Stadium during the stadium’s renovation in 2025. Although the renovation work has since been completed, many of the former tenants have yet to return and resume their businesses.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has proposed the establishment of an open volleyball centre at the Nishtar Sports Complex, instead of constructing an indoor volleyball gymnasium, despite the fact that Punjab currently lacks an international-standard indoor volleyball facility. A wall-climbing project has also been proposed at the complex. In addition, plans include the development of indoor facilities for table tennis, snooker and rowing, as well as the upgradation of the Punjab Stadium and the international swimming pool located within the complex.
According to the budget documents, two athletics tracks will also be constructed, one each in Chakwal and Bahawalpur.
Moreover, Rs5.50 billion has been allocated for the establishment of a Sports Goods Testing Centre, where sports equipment will be tested and certified in accordance with standards set by FIFA, the ICC and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2026