Govt mulls holding ill-timed Quaid Games from Dec 13

ISLAMABAD: The government is pushing ahead with plans to hold the controversial Quaid-i-Azam Inter-Provincial Games from December 13-19, this time without the involvement of some of Pakistan’s leading sports federations.

This move, according to the insiders, reflects an agenda set by a few officials within the Ministry for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), who are determined to proceed before December 31, disregarding the National Games already scheduled for February 2025 in Karachi.

The National Games, Pakistan’s prestigious biennial event, brings together the best departments and provinces in competition for the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy. This event enjoys widespread support from internationally affiliated federations and the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). Attempting to organize a competing event without the POA’s endorsement and participation has raised questions, with some seeing it as serving external interests that may have ulterior motives.

The ministry, in partnership with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), is planning to allocate a budget of around Rs332 million annually to host the Games across 15 sports. The concept of the Inter-Provincial Games first emerged in 2012, championed by a breakaway, non-recognized Olympic Committee (later banned), but previous editions have faced scrutiny over financial mismanagement and administrative issues.

Originally, stakeholders had agreed that any future sports ventures would involve collaborative planning to maximize impact. However, while the Sindh Government and Olympic Association are preparing for the National Games, the federal government is lobbying the Ministry of Planning for funding for the Inter-Provincial Games.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is at the risk of losing the hosting rights for the 14th South Asian Games due to delays in securing the necessary budget and preparation approvals. Many are questioning why resources are being directed toward the Inter-Provincial Games instead of focusing on the South Asian Games, an event that could enhance Pakistan’s international standing. Failure to host such an esteemed event threatens to tarnish the country’s reputation and reveal administrative inadequacies.