ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Games after a gap of 22 years, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approving Rs11 billion for preparations.
According to sources, the prime minister has sought immediate start of preparations for the Games, which are scheduled to take place in the country in March next year.
The approved funds will be released in phases and spent on the upgrading of stadiums, logistics, Games ceremonies and administrative arrangements.
Sources said a South Asian Games Secretariat will be set up in Islamabad to oversee all planning and organisational work.
Pakistan will host the South Asian Games for the first time in 22 years.
South Asian Games 2004
Pakistan last hosted the South Asian Games in 2004 when the capital city of Islamabad hosted the games from March 29 to April 7.
It was the second time the country hosted the regional multi-sport tournament.
Pakistan is scheduled to host the multi-sport event again for the first time in over two decades.
The upcoming South Asian Games will take place across four cities: Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Karachi.
