Wani lauds Gilani-led PFF’s progress, announces preparations for SAF Games [The Nation]

Islamabad   –  Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Wani has lauded the revival of Pakistan football, saying the sport is firmly back on the right path after years of administrative turmoil.  He credited Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsen Gilani for restoring stability and providing renewed direction to the game while also announcing that Pakistan is preparing to host the South Asian (SAF) Games next year following the Prime Minister’s approval of funding.

Briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination, chaired by Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Wani said Pakistan football has made significant progress since the restoration of the PFF after years under a FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee.

Responding to lawmakers’ questions, Wani said the federation has regained stability within a short period and has earned recognition from FIFA, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the Government of Pakistan. He praised Gilani’s leadership, noting that the PFF is actively promoting football nationwide through grassroots development programmes and talent identification initiatives.

Highlighting future plans, Wani informed the committee that FIFA’s Vice President has committed financial support for the construction of at least two modern football grounds in Pakistan, a major step towards strengthening sports infrastructure and nurturing young talent.

He also confirmed that Pakistan will host the SAF Games next year. While the Prime Minister has approved funding for the event, the ministry has sought an additional Rs6 billion from the federal government to ensure its successful organisation. On hockey, Wani said Pakistan had already participated in 10 FIH Pro League matches and stressed that rebuilding a competitive national team requires patience. 

He added that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is working closely with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to ensure transparent and credible federation elections.

The parliamentary committee also voiced concern over the concentration of sports facilities in Punjab and Islamabad, urging the establishment of modern sports complexes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to promote equitable opportunities for athletes across the country. It decided to invite provincial sports secretaries to its next meeting to strengthen coordination on sports development and constituted a subcommittee, headed by MNA Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto, to review the performance of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

The meeting concluded with a brief exchange over parliamentary procedure, after which Wani reaffirmed his respect for Parliament and all elected representatives.

Published in The Nation, 10 July 2026