Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah Khan, emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to utilizing sports as a tool for building a more inclusive and resilient society during his address at the 11th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Conference in Paris. He highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to the conference theme, “Building Inclusive and Resilient Societies through Sports,” and expressed eagerness to collaborate with fellow Commonwealth nations to share best practices, drive progress towards shared goals, and inspire a new generation of athletes and leaders.
Rana Sanaullah pledged Pakistan’s full commitment to sports collaboration with Commonwealth nations. The advisor, who holds the status of a federal minister, remarked on the transformative power of sports to unite, inspire, and drive positive societal change, as demonstrated at the 11th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting.
He announced that the government has declared 2025 as the year of sports revival in Pakistan, focusing on promoting sports as a catalyst for social change. This initiative is spearheaded by the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, ensuring full participation and harnessing the potential of Pakistan’s youth.
Significant strides have been made in Pakistan to ensure good governance and human rights in sports, including the introduction of a code of conduct and equal opportunity principles. Efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity in sports have also been prioritized.
Rana Sanaullah emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration to promote sports, highlighting partnerships with the education, health, and youth development sectors to create a comprehensive sports ecosystem. Public-private partnerships and private sector investment in sports are being actively encouraged.
He envisioned a future where sports would be integral to Pakistan’s development, with a strong commitment to contributing to the Commonwealth Games, particularly the 2026 Games. Ambassador of Pakistan to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Asim Iftikhar Ahmad also attended the event held on the sidelines of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
