PM, PFL provide cash prize to Muhammad Riaz, footballer forced to sell 'jalebis'
The Pakistan Football League (PFL) has announced a cash prize of PKR 1 million and a key position within the league for footballer Muhammad Riaz, whose struggles gained attention after he was forced to sell sweets following the disbandment of his departmental team.
Riaz, a former K-Electric player, found himself jobless after his club was dissolved due to the controversial ban on departmental sports imposed by the previous government. With no financial support, the 29-year-old turned to selling jalebis in his hometown, Hangu, to make ends meet.
His plight came to light after a video of him surfaced online, leading to an invitation to the Prime Minister House.
Following the viral video, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Riaz to the Prime Minister's House for a meeting. During the meeting, the PM awarded him a cheque of PKR 2.5 million and announced a job for the footballer.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also provided him with PKR 1 million in financial assistance.
PFL Chairman Farhan Junejo, acknowledging Riaz's hardships, not only announced the PKR 1 million prize but also assured him a key role in the PFL, a league determined to revive football in Pakistan.
'Muhammad Riaz is a prime example of the many talented footballers in Pakistan who have been forced to leave the sport due to a lack of platforms and financial support,' Junejo said. 'We are committed to ensuring that such talent does not go unnoticed. Riaz will not only be financially supported but will also play an active role in the PFL's efforts to develop the game in Pakistan.'
The PFL also pledged to provide international training opportunities to Riaz and other aspiring footballers, ensuring that Pakistan's footballing talent gets the recognition and support it deserves.
Riaz, an Asian Games hero, expressed his gratitude, saying, 'I am thankful to PFL for giving me the opportunity to return to football. I will work with PFL to ensure no other player is neglected.'
His story has shed light on the struggles faced by Pakistani athletes, with many social media users pointing out that such talent would be highly valued and well-compensated in other countries.
Despite Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's directives to restore departmental sports, the ban imposed during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government continues to affect countless athletes, leaving them without financial security or career stability.
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