CM Sarfraz Bugti announces major sports competitions across all districts to keep grounds active

QUETTA, Oct 09 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has announced plans to organize major sports competitions across all districts of the province to keep playgrounds active and provide young people with opportunities to demonstrate their talent, stressing that their future lies in sports, education, employment and a peaceful Pakistan rather than violence and conflict.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of the final of the All Pakistan CM Balochistan Gold Cup Football Tournament at Ayub Stadium in Quetta, Bugti said the provincial government was taking practical measures to bring young people into the national mainstream through sports, job opportunities and development initiatives. He maintained that misleading narratives had previously drawn some youth towards a futile path of conflict, but the government was now determined to offer them constructive alternatives and a better future.

Congratulating the Sports Department, provincial sports officials, tournament organizers and spectators on the successful event, the chief minister described the occasion as a moment of pride for Balochistan. He presented trophies to the winning Afghan Club and the runner-up team, highlighting the importance of sporting activities in promoting healthy competition, social cohesion and a positive environment for young people.

Bugti said employment and livelihood programmes were also being introduced to help youth recognize that lasting progress could be achieved through education, sports, decent jobs and participation in peaceful social activities rather than terrorism or violence. He emphasized that meaningful dialogue, merit-based governance and the elimination of corruption were essential to restoring public confidence and strengthening young people’s connection with the state.

Referring to past attempts to alienate youth from the state through misleading narratives, the chief minister said such efforts had failed, adding that the government was now engaging directly with citizens and working to address their concerns. He stressed that providing opportunities and ensuring fair access to development were crucial to securing a peaceful and prosperous future for the province.

Drawing a contrast between the government’s efforts to bring people together through sports and festivals and the activities of militant elements, Bugti said public gatherings should promote unity, recreation and social harmony rather than violence. In a pointed remark directed at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, he said people should be mobilized for sporting events and festivals instead of attacks on the federal capital.

The chief minister also took notice of public complaints about the poor condition of Sadiq Shaheed Football Ground and the adjoining family park, issuing immediate instructions for their renovation and repair. He said improved recreational facilities were necessary to encourage sporting activities and provide families with suitable public spaces.

Reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to combating terrorism, Bugti said Balochistan stood firmly alongside the state and its institutions in efforts to restore and maintain peace. He pledged that the government would continue working towards stability, development and greater opportunities for the people, particularly the youth, asserting that investment in sports, employment and public welfare was essential to building a peaceful and prosperous province.