LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review plans for the proposed Maryam Nawaz Sharif Sports City, a major project aimed at expanding sports, recreation and tourism facilities in the province.
The meeting, held at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore, focused on the project’s design, infrastructure and development timeline. Officials from the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) presented detailed plans for the sports city, including indoor and outdoor sports facilities, accommodation and public recreational areas.
According to officials, the project is being planned as a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex designed to support athletes, families and visitors. The proposed development is expected to include venues for football, hockey, cricket, athletics, basketball, volleyball, badminton and squash.
Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar directed NESPAK officials to ensure comprehensive planning and timely execution of the project. He said the facility should be developed in line with international standards and equipped with modern infrastructure to meet future requirements.
Sports facilities and athlete accommodation
During the briefing, planners presented proposals for a wide range of sports venues as well as supporting infrastructure for athletes and visitors.
The sports minister instructed officials to include a modern hostel with accommodation capacity for up to 5,000 players. He also emphasized the need for efficient use of space through the construction of an underground parking system.
Officials said the project would feature both indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, making it one of the largest planned sports developments in Punjab.
Recreation and sustainability features
The proposed sports city will also include recreational facilities for families, landscaped walking areas and a modern jogging track.
Officials discussed plans for entertainment facilities within the complex, while the minister directed planners to incorporate renewable energy solutions, including solar panels, as part of the project’s sustainability strategy.
The meeting was attended by Sports Board Punjab Vice Chairman Salman Malik, Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Fazlur Rehman, Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi, Director Admin Abid Shaukat and other senior officials.
According to the Sports Department, the project is intended to support sports development while enhancing tourism and recreational opportunities in Punjab.
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