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KARACHI, Nov 28 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over a high-level meeting finalised arrangements for the 35th National Games, which will be inaugurated by President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari on December 6 at the National Stadium, Karachi.
The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by key federal and provincial stakeholders, including Minister for Home Ziaullah Hassan Lanjar, Minister for Agriculture Mohammad Bux Mahar, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, PSCM Agha Wasif, Secretary Education Zahid Abbasi, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Additional IG Karachi Javed Odho, Secretary Sports Khair Mohammad Kalwar, and other concerned officials.
During the meeting, detailed plans for the Games were discussed, including the minute-to-minute schedule for the opening and closing ceremonies, seating arrangements for VVIPs and VIPs, accommodation plans, venue upgrades, and committee formations to ensure smooth operations.
The proposed schedule for the opening ceremony includes the arrival of contingents at designated pavilions, speeches by dignitaries and the chief guest, March Past, oath-taking for players and officials, torch lighting ceremony, theme song, and a grand cultural and musical program featuring fireworks, drone shows, laser displays, and paragliding performances was finalised by the chief minister.
Murad Ali Shah, for the closing ceremony to be presided over by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, plans include the awarding of trophies, including the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Best Performance Trophy, and Fair Play Trophy, followed by a cultural and musical show, and grand fireworks to mark the conclusion of the Games.
A total of 24 venues across Karachi have been finalised, and their renovation and refurbishment are being coordinated by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department in collaboration with the Commissioner’s office. The Commissioner’s office is also providing support to remove encroachments and ensure smooth operational logistics at all venues.
The chief minister constituted a ministerial committee to oversee the opening and closing ceremonies, with active participation from the Mayor of Karachi and representatives from the Education, Culture, Transport, and Information Departments. The Education Department has confirmed the participation of students in a large number in various ceremonies, while the Information Department will oversee publicity through print, electronic media, and digital platforms.
Murad Shah directed the Cultural Department to organise welcoming events for contingents at airports and railway stations. He also directed the Transport Department to provide transit arrangements for athletes and officials. He also approved the formation of Internal committees to manage seating for VVIPs, VIPs, students, and other guests. He directed the establishment for estabslihing a central control room has been established to coordinate activities across venues.
To enhance public engagement, an activation campaign will be rolled out across key city locations to build awareness and excitement for the Games. Fan interaction zones, food stalls outside the enclosures, and experienced ushers will ensure smooth assistance to participants, dignitaries, and spectators.
The Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasised the importance of coordinated planning and engagement to make the 35th National Games a grand success. He noted that the Games not only showcase sporting excellence but also foster national unity, youth participation, and Karachi’s position as a hub for major national events.