A meeting chaired by Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, discussed the recognition of e-sports as an official sport in Pakistan and the development of a structured framework to promote its growth. The meeting included key representatives from various organizations, including Ignite, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Nayatel, Antakh Ventures, FAST University, the Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT), DG Sports All Provinces, and the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The discussions focused on forming dedicated committees and subcommittees to drive policy development and infrastructure planning for the e-sports sector. The immediate establishment of gaming arenas, training centres, and coaching facilities was recognized as a priority.
The chairman emphasized the importance of officially recognizing e-sports under national sports regulations, which would allow for structured governance and funding. Telecom companies, such as Nayatel, were encouraged to introduce specialized, high-speed internet packages for competitive gamers. Universities were also identified as key players in talent discovery, with initiatives like e-sports clubs, scholarships, and organized gaming activities.
Drawing inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s dedicated gaming infrastructure, the meeting proposed forming partnerships with China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to explore the inclusion of e-sports in global competitive events, including the Olympics. Furthermore, discussions stressed the need for game development studios, community participation, and ensuring high-speed internet access for gamers. Clear regulation and taxation policies were also deemed necessary to sustain the growth of the industry.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan declared that committees and subcommittees would be formed to drive the recognition of e-sports as an official sport in Pakistan. The government has set a six-month milestone to develop a robust e-sports ecosystem that nurtures talent, promotes competitive gaming, and provides global opportunities for Pakistani youth.
