Latest news with #FaisalAyubKhokhar
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
PBCC gets cricket stadium; Indian blind cricket team invited
LAHORE: Punjab Sports Department handed over the control of Asia's first designated Blind Cricket Stadium to Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) at an impressive ceremony held at Nishtar Park Sports Complex E-Library and Youth Centre on Monday. Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar was the chief guest on this occasion. Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial, Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry, Director Admin Dr M Kaleem, Director Youth Affairs Syed Omair Hasan, Divisional Sports Officer Tanveer Abbas and members and officials of World Champion Pakistan Blind Cricket Team were also present on this occasion. Divisional Sports Officer Tanveer Abbas and PBCC Syed Sultan Shah singed the handing over documents at the ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, Provincial Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that the Blind Cricket Stadium at Rakh Jhedu is a gift from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for Blind Cricket Team. 'Pakistan is the first country in Asia to build a dedicated cricket stadium for blind cricket team. I congratulated the National Blind cricket team on this great achievement,' he said, adding: 'There is no doubt that the National Blind cricket team has won several coveted world titles for the country'. Faisal Ayub Khokhar invited Indian blind cricket team to play competitive cricket against Pakistan team at this venue. 'We are quite upbeat that Pakistan team once again will beat India at the newly constructed stadium. There is no doubt that India had more resources than Pakistan but even then they don't have a single stadium dedicated for their national blind cricket team.' He further said that Punjab Sports Department has completed the construction of Blind Cricket stadium with full dedication for which I paid tribute to the entire team of Punjab Sports Department. 'Probably, today is the biggest day in the last one and half year'. Sharing more details, he announced that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will inaugurate the International Squash Complex at Nishtar Park Sports Complex and first baseball ground of the province within two months' period. 'Punjab Sports Department is promoting true sports culture across the province in accordance with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz,' he said. Earlier, Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial presented a welcome address stating that pedal tennis courts are being constructed in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi. 'A state-of-the-art volleyball complex is also being constructed in Lahore, he said.' He further said that other special children will also be able to play at the newly constructed Blind Cricket Stadium. 'Punjab Sports Department is taking effective measures for the promotion of sports culture across all districts of the province,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Security arrangements for Muharram: Two ministers visit key procession routes
LAHORE: On the special instructions of Chief Minister Punjab, provincial ministers conducted late-night visits to key mourning sites in Lahore to review the ongoing security arrangements for Muharram. Provincial Minister for Sports and Labour Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, along with Provincial Minister for Food Bilal Yasin, Special Assistant to CM Sania Ashiq, CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana, Commissioner Lahore Zaid bin Maqsood, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza, and other senior officials, visited Nisar Haveli, Karbala Gamay Shah and Pando Street Imambargah. During the visits, the ministers thoroughly reviewed the security measures in place for the main Ashura procession routes and other significant locations. Police and district administration officials briefed the dignitaries on the overall security plan, deployment of volunteers, CCTV monitoring, security checks at entry and exit points, and contingency planning. Speaking on the occasion, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar issued instructions to ensure comprehensive security on procession routes and to immediately address any potential disruptions caused by rainfall. He emphasized the need for cleanliness, adequate lighting, provision of water, medical camps, and other essential facilities. He assured the organizers of the government's full cooperation and reiterated that maintaining peace and order during Muharram is a top priority for the Punjab government. The organizers expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and praised the inter-agency coordination. Furthermore, Faisal Ayub Khokhar appealed to the public, urging citizens of Lahore to fully cooperate with the police and administration during Muharram and demonstrate responsible citizenship. On this occasion, Bilal Yasin stated that the security has been placed on high alert at all procession routes and sensitive locations. Continuous monitoring is being carried out through CCTV cameras from central control rooms. He added that Section 144 is being strictly enforced and any unauthorized processions or gatherings will not be permitted. The ministers affirmed that, under the guidance of the Punjab government, all relevant departments are working round the clock to ensure a peaceful and dignified observance of Muharram. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab sports-related initiatives highlighted
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said the Punjab government aims to engage youth in positive activities through sports and sports-related initiatives and youth empowerment plans included in Punjab's Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025–26. Speaking at a news conference here Thursday, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar stated that a budget of Rs7.6 billion has been allocated for the Sports and Youth Affairs Department this year. He emphasized that the Punjab government's top priority is to provide opportunities to the youth and ensure the development of modern sports infrastructure. He informed the media that under last year's 'Khelta Punjab' programme, more than 120,000 athletes participated. This year, the initiative is being expanded further with talent hunt events being organized across districts, and significant work is already underway to rehabilitate and improve existing sports infrastructure. The Provincial Minister also shared that the first phase of the Chief Minister's Internship Programme has been successfully completed, benefiting 6,000 youth with a monthly stipend of Rs25,000. In Phase Two, the number of interns will be increased to 10,000, and the stipend will be raised to Rs60,000 per month. He further revealed that for the first time in the province's history, a Sports Endowment Fund has been established, under which athletes are being supported with funds of Rs30,000, Rs50,000, and Rs70,000. A Self-Sustaining System is also being introduced to address salary-related issues of sports department employees on a permanent basis, he added. He also highlighted that under the up-gradation of Punjab Stadium, Nishtar Park, Lahore, increasing seating capacity from 6,000 to 10,000. Scheme of Construction of a 102-room hotel/hostel at Nishtar Park Sports Complex at a cost of Rs800 million also approved. He also briefed about schemes of development of an Indoor Sports Arena for table tennis, snooker, board games, indoor rowing, revival of the International Boxing Arena, construction of a baseball ground in Lahore, rehabilitation and construction of Velodrome, Swimming Pool, Indoor Volleyball Complex, construction of Padel Tennis Courts in Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot while multipurpose Sports Facilities will be established along Rahim Yar Khan, Muridke, and Narowal Road. The Minister emphasized that the Punjab Government is working to revive traditional sports like Kabaddi, reconnecting the youth with cultural roots. He said that more projects will be included in the upcoming fiscal year and equal sports opportunities will be provided in every district of the province. Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar concluded by stating, 'Our goal is not just to build infrastructure but to ensure its sustainable and autonomous management.' Under the vision of the Chief Minister, every possible step is being taken to empower youth, promote sports, and prepare future champions. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PML-N organises workers' convention on Labour Day
LAHORE: Speakers at a workers convention organized by the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Labour Wing, here at Alhamra Hall in connection with the May Day, expressed firm resolve to safeguard the rights of labour community. Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, Punjab Minister for Labour and Human Resource Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, MNA Shumaila Rana, President of PML-N Labour Wing Syed Muhammad Mushtaq Hussain and Secretary General Chaudhry Sajjad Ahmed addressed the convention. Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Syed Imran Ahmed Shah said that the PML-N is a pro-labour party, and the welfare of the working class is our top priority. 'The remarkable initiatives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz for workers' welfare are commendable. Punjab, being the most populous province with a vast labour force, is leading by example in protecting workers' rights in a meaningful way,' he said, adding: 'India must know that if it dares cast an evil eye on Pakistan, it will face a fierce response. Every Pakistani stands united like a wall with our armed forces.' He also offered special prayers for the oppressed people of Gaza, Palestine, and Kashmir. Punjab minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, while addressing the convention, said the leadership of PML-N, especially Maryam Nawaz Sharif, strongly believes in practical measures for the welfare of workers. 'We have not only committed to improving workers' living standards but have also taken concrete actions to deliver on that promise,' he said. He said the launch of the Maryam Nawaz Ration Card Programme, aimed at benefiting 1.2 million workers and 8.4 million dependents, offering a monthly subsidy of Rs3,000 is commendable. He shared that new social security hospitals are being established in Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, and Kasur, while Maryam Nawaz Wellness Centers are being set up in Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad. Other major initiatives included Teleclinics and a 200-bed Cardiac City, Modern ambulances for 27 hospitals, minimum wage raised to Rs37,000 per month while 720 worker flats completed in Sunder (Phase I) and 504 in Taxila, with more projects underway, launching of an Online Complaint Cell, 1314 Helpline, Online Open Court, and Ease of Doing Business Portal. Syed Muhammad Mushtaq Hussain, President of the Labour Wing, emphasized unity in advocating for workers' rights and said that the convention reflects the trust of workers in PML-N's leadership. MNA Shumaila Rana and other speakers also addressed the gathering and paid tribute to the Punjab government and the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League (N) for their revolutionary steps. They expressed the hope that Punjab's labour welfare policies would be expanded nationwide. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
