ISLAMABAD, Jun 8 (APP): Federal Minister for Information,
Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid on
Wednesday said the government was taking different steps to promote sports and provide healthy atmosphere to the youth.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of First Mayor T20
cricket tournament here at National Cricket Stadium.
He referred to an interview of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
before elections of 2013 in which he said that he would provide opportunities to youth to exhibit their talent in sports activities.
The Prime Minister had expressed determination that he would
bring sports to the playing grounds, he noted.
The minister said because of terrorism nobody came to Pakistan
for sports and parents were also reluctant to let their children go to playgrounds.
He said due to steps of the government, there was decrease in
incidents of terrorism.
He said it was heartening to note that youth were coming to
the sporting events, as these same youngsters then move ahead and perform at the world stage.
The minister said a few days back a tent pegging event was
held in the capital which provided much needed recreation to the citizens.
He urged representatives of the local government to play their
role in promotion of sports like hockey, football and badminton.
He assured of complete cooperation of Information Ministry and
its departments for highlighting sporting events.
On this occasion, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for
Political Affairs Dr Asif Kirmani was also present on the occasion.
