PESHAWAR, Oct 24 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday stressed the need for modern sports facilities and academies across the province, saying the Pakistan Super League (PSL) should begin from Peshawar to encourage young talent and promote the positive image of the province. Addressing the opening ceremony of the five-day Zalmi Madrasa Cricket League at the Governor House, he said the large representation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa players in …
Governor calls for PSL matches in Peshawar, modern sports academies in KP
PESHAWAR, Oct 24 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday stressed the need for modern sports facilities and academies across the province, saying the Pakistan Super League (PSL) should begin from Peshawar to encourage young talent and promote the positive image of the province.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the five-day Zalmi Madrasa Cricket League at the Governor House, he said the large representation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa players in Pakistan’s national cricket team reflected the province’s immense talent, but the lack of proper sports infrastructure continued to hinder its full potential. He said he had already taken up the matter with the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and urged that PSL matches should start from Peshawar.
Chief Executive of Zalmi Foundation Abbas Layaq, Advisor Tayyab Qureshi, Advisor Asif Rafiq, Advisor Kifayatullah and Secretary Higher Education Abidullah Kakakhel, along with other distinguished guests, were also present on the occasion.
The Governor appreciated the organisers of the Zalmi Madrasa Cricket League and congratulated the Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism and Peshawar Zalmi for launching the initiative. He paid tribute to Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi for promoting cricket as a platform for youth development, positive engagement and projecting a better image of the province.
He said the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possessed enormous talent and deserved better facilities, proper mentorship and equal opportunities to excel. He added that the promotion of sports was a shared responsibility of the government, private sector, educational institutions and sports organisations.
Kundi said the Zalmi Madrasa Cricket League was not merely a sports event but an important initiative to engage young people in positive activities, strengthen social harmony and help prevent violent extremism. He said sports instilled discipline, tolerance, teamwork and self-confidence among the youth while providing them with constructive opportunities.
The Governor said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with the police, armed forces and law enforcement agencies, had rendered immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. However, he said, the province should be recognised for its brave people, rich culture, hospitality, talent and resilience rather than terrorism.
He said security measures and law enforcement were essential to counter extremism, but equal importance should be given to education, sports, employment, training and social inclusion. Positive activities, he added, could help steer young people away from despair towards hope and progress.
Highlighting the importance of the league, Kundi said students of religious seminaries also possessed exceptional talent and should be provided equal opportunities to participate in sports. He expressed the hope that the league would grow into a permanent and expanded programme covering other sports as well to identify and nurture talented youth.
He also underscored the importance of projecting the province’s positive image globally, saying Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was rich in natural resources, cultural diversity, tourism potential and talented youth. He urged government departments, educational institutions, seminaries, sports organisations and the private sector to work together to create greater sporting opportunities for young people across the province.
