Recently, a video surfaced online that took social media by storm. In the clip, a young man was seen skillfully preparing and selling jaleebis at a roadside stall. However, what made this video truly shocking was the identity of the man behind the counter—Muhammad Riaz, a footballer who once proudly represented Pakistan on the international stage.
Riaz, hailing from Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, had the honor of playing for Pakistan in the 2018 Asian Games. The revelation that a national athlete had been reduced to selling sweets to make ends meet sparked outrage and sympathy across the country. The story even caught the attention of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who promptly invited Riaz to the Prime Minister’s House. As a gesture of support, the government provided him with PKR 2.5 million in financial assistance and offered him a job of his choice. The KPK government also extended its support, presenting him with a PKR 1 million cheque and a coaching position.
What Forced Riaz to Abandon His Passion?
Riaz’s downfall wasn’t due to a lack of talent or dedication but rather a systemic failure that has plagued Pakistani sports for years. In 2019, the PTI-led government abolished departmental sports, a move that had devastating consequences for countless athletes. These departments, which once served as lifelines for professional sportsmen by offering stable employment, were forced to cut ties with their players.
Among those affected was Muhammad Riaz, who had been employed by K-Electric—a company with a history of supporting sports. With departmental teams dismantled, Riaz lost his livelihood, pushing him into financial turmoil. During his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Riaz passionately advocated for the revival of departmental sports, emphasizing how their absence had stripped many athletes of their only source of income. In response, the Prime Minister assured him that necessary steps would be taken to address the issue.
A Broader Crisis in Pakistani Football
While the recent assistance to Riaz is heartwarming, he is far from the only footballer facing such hardships. Pakistan’s footballing community is filled with talented players who struggle to make ends meet. The administrative and managerial chaos that has gripped Pakistani football for decades has proven detrimental not just to individual players but to the sport itself.
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Football, the world’s most popular sport, remains in a state of crisis in Pakistan. Repeated FIFA bans, internal disputes, and a lack of investment have hindered its development. While government intervention in Riaz’s case is a positive step, meaningful reforms are needed to ensure that national athletes are given the respect, financial stability, and career opportunities they deserve.
Final Thoughts: A Glimmer of Hope?
Riaz’s story is a painful yet powerful reminder of the struggles faced by Pakistani footballers. The support he has received is commendable, but the real victory will be in ensuring that no other athlete has to trade their boots for survival jobs. If the government is serious about sports development, then reviving departmental sports, investing in grassroots football, and ensuring a sustainable career path for athletes should be top priorities. Only then can we hope for a future where Pakistani footballers are celebrated for their skills on the field rather than their struggles off it.