The current government appears to be finally taking a measured interest in the realm of football. On September 11, 2024, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to the Pakistan Street Child Football Team, competing as Muslim Hands FC, at the Prime Minister’s House. This spirited team recently showcased their talents at the Norway Cup 2024 in the U17 category, where they displayed commendable skill but ultimately fell short in the semifinals, succumbing to a nail-biting penalty shootout against Norway’s Forde IL after a 1-1 draw.
PM’s Commitment to Football
In an encouraging address to the young athletes, Prime Minister Sharif promised to explore every avenue for the promotion of football within Pakistan, announcing plans for a comprehensive strategy aimed at elevating the sport. He urged relevant authorities to revive departmental sports and to report back on the progress, as noted in a release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Sharif highlighted the remarkable performance of the street child football team as a testament to the untapped potential of Pakistani youth, emphasizing that, if provided with adequate opportunities, they could shine on the world stage.
The delegation included prominent figures such as Captain Muhammad Adeel and top scorer Muhammad Kashif, alongside officials from Muslim Hands FC. In a show of support and national pride, the Prime Minister referred to these talented players as “bright stars” for Pakistan, commending Muslim Hands for their pivotal role in nurturing street football within the country.
The players expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s hospitality and recognition of their accomplishments. The representatives from Muslim Hands took the opportunity to highlight their efforts in promoting street football not just in Pakistan, but around the world.
Footballer.pk Verdict
This growing interest from the Prime Minister is a hopeful sign for the future of football in Pakistan. However, to genuinely foster the sport, a long-term strategy, sustainable funding, and earnest commitment from all stakeholders are essential. While the Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges of achieving a World Cup victory, he also rightly asserted that with the right focus, nothing is out of reach.
Currently, Pakistan’s football landscape is marred by numerous challenges both within the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and beyond. For instance, the PFF’s last-minute cancellation of the 2024 SAFF U19 campaign deprived emerging talents of valuable opportunities on a regional platform. Further complicating matters are ongoing delays in the PFF elections. If the Prime Minister truly desires to see Pakistan competing on the international football stage, his government must go beyond team invitations and statements, taking decisive action to support and revitalize the sport at all levels.