In a revolutionary step toward the advancement of E-Sports in Pakistan, key stakeholders convened for the first official meeting on E-Sports development. The meeting, chaired by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP); brought together representatives from Ignite, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Nayatel, Antakh Ventures, FAST University, the Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT), DG Sports All Provinces, and the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The discussions centered on recognizing E-Sports as an official sport in Pakistan and developing a structured framework to foster its growth. Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) emphasized the immediate formation of dedicated committees and subcommittees to drive policy development and infrastructure planning. The establishment of gaming arenas, training centers, and coaching facilities was highlighted as priority. Efforts will be made to officially recognize E-Sports under national sports regulations, enabling structured governance and funding. Nayatel and other telecom companies were urged to introduce specialized, high-speed internet packages catering to the needs of competitive gamers. Universities will play a vital role in talent discovery through E-Sports clubs, scholarships, and organized gaming activities. Pakistan will take inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s dedicated gaming infrastructure, aiming to develop a similar model tailored to local needs. The committee proposed partnerships with China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to explore E-Sports' inclusion in global competitive events, including the Olympics. Fasih Mehta highlighted the necessity of forming game development studios, expanding community participation, and ensuring high-speed internet accessibility for gamers. He also emphasized the importance of clear regulation and taxation policies to sustain the industry's growth. He cited Fahad Mustafa’s drama on E-Gaming as a positive influence on public perception, highlighting how mainstream media can play a crucial role in shaping public opinion about the industry. Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) stated, “E-Sports is the future, and Pakistan will not stay behind. Committees and subcommittees will be formed to structure this initiative, ensuring that E-Gaming is officially recognized as a sport in Pakistan. We are setting a six-month milestone to develop a strong E-Sports ecosystem that nurtures talent, promotes competitive gaming, and provides global opportunities for our youth.” A dedicated E-Sports Academy will be piloted at a leading university, while 2-3 universities will establish gaming arenas functioning as training centers. Media campaigns will also be launched to highlight emerging E-Sports talent. With Pakistan stepping into the global E-Sports arena, this initiative marks the beginning of a new era for gaming and digital innovation in the country.
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