By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Punjab’s Provincial Minister for Sports, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, formally inaugurated a newly constructed international-standard swimming pool and players’ hostel at Liaquat Bagh Sports Complex, Rawalpindi.
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The projects mark the first phase of the Punjab Government’s initiative to revive and expand the province’s sports infrastructure.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that for the first time in Rawalpindi’s history, a world-class swimming pool equipped with modern water filtration, heating, and timing systems has been completed. The construction cost of the swimming pool amounts to Rs. 217 million.
He added that the Players’ Hostel, built to provide modern accommodation and training facilities for athletes, has been completed at a cost of Rs. 181 million. The hostel features 80 beds and provides athletes with a comfortable, well-equipped, and professional environment for residence and training. Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar stated that these projects have been completed under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aimed at providing modern sports facilities and nurturing young athletes to meet international standards.
He emphasized that the revival of Liaquat Bagh Sports Complex reflects the Punjab Government’s firm commitment to promoting sports and providing healthy recreational opportunities for youth.
These projects, he added, are not merely construction works but practical steps toward opening new avenues of training, competition, and growth for emerging players. The Provincial Minister also announced the construction of a Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Rawalpindi to further strengthen the city’s sports infrastructure.
He reaffirmed that the Punjab Government is determined to extend similar projects to other districts of the province, ensuring modern, inclusive, and accessible sports facilities for all.
Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, visible transformation is taking place in the sports sector of Punjab,” said the Minister, adding that the government’s mission is to empower youth and create opportunities for success at national and international levels.
Speaking on the occasion, MNA Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry said that whenever there is talk of development and progress in Rawalpindi, the name of Pakistan Muslim League (N) will always stand proud. He said projects like underpasses, the Metro Bus, and hospitals are shining examples of the party’s service to the people. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Provincial Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar strongly condemned the recent terrorist incident in Islamabad, stating that the enemies of Pakistan will face an exemplary defeat and that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
The ceremony was attended by MNA Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Shazia Rizwan, Members of the Punjab Assembly, Secretary Sports Muzaffar Khan Sial, District Sports Officer Rawalpindi Shamoon Abbas, and other senior officials.
