KP govt drops major sports initiatives worth Rs2.3bn due to budget cuts mharis

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has removed seven sports projects, valued at over Rs2.34 billion, from its annual development program.

This decision shifts away from earlier plans initiated by the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

The termination of these projects is due to a lack of allocated funds and delays in starting the projects. This move has raised concerns about the provincial government’s commitment to sports development and support for athletes.

The projects that were canceled include building two sports stadiums in Peshawar and Swabi, launching a talent hunt program throughout the province, establishing a cricket coaching academy in Kohat, and constructing the Takht Bhai Sports Complex.

Other affected initiatives are renovations at the Kohat Sports Complex and Swabi Sports Ground, installing new lighting, and developing sports facilities in Lower Dir and a Motor Sports Arena in Nowshera.

The discontinuation of these projects is expected to disappoint the sports community in the region, affecting both young talent and professional athletes who were looking forward to these new facilities.