ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved a Rs 5.7 billion package for a sports infrastructure upgrade ahead of the upcoming South Asian Games in Pakistan.
Pakistan will host the long-delayed 14th South Asian Federation (SAF) Games from April 4 to 11 next year, with around 6,000 athletes set to compete across 28 sports, the foreign office confirmed.
The package was approved during a meeting chaired by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal.
The package will be used for major development and upgradation works at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad and sports facilities in other cities required for the regional multi-sport event.
Secretary Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani termed the approval of the package a major milestone towards ensuring the successful hosting of the South Asian Games.
Wani said the comprehensive upgradation of the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad, along with sports facilities in other cities, would significantly enhance the quality, functionality and readiness of venues for the Games.
The Secretary IPC emphasized that the investment in sports infrastructure would not be limited to the requirements of the Games, but would create a lasting legacy for Pakistan’s sporting community.
“These upgraded venues will also continue to benefit Pakistani sport long after the Games,” he added.
Last week, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar confirmed that Pakistan will host the South Asian Games next year following a meeting of the steering committee formed to oversee preparations.
The meeting finalised the dates of the games in coordination with the South Asian Olympic Committee (SAOC).
According to the Foreign Office statement, the participating nations include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Events will be held across Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The government also approved the appointment of a national coordinator and the composition of the steering, organising, and provincial committees.
The sporting competition has been held since 1984 under the auspices of the South Asian Olympic Council.
India emerged as the top-performing nation at the last edition held in Nepal in 2019. The 14th edition, originally scheduled for 2021, was first postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and delayed again in January 2026.
