PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

TUESDAY, THE 20TH JANUARY, 2026

495    *Syed AdilAskari:

Will the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairsbe pleased to State:-

What strategies are in place to address issues such as un-employment, mental health and substance abuse among young people in Sindh?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS:

Various skills development soft schemes, workshops and trainings have been conducted by this Department in order to address the issues, such as; unemployment, mental health and substance abuse among Youth segment of the society in Sindh, a few are mentioned below:

496    *Syed AdilAskari:

Will the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs be pleased to State:-

How is the ministry promoting social inclusion and combating discrimination against marginalized youth groups such as women, minorities and persons with disabilities?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS:

·           For the segment of marginalized Youth, a quota has been allocated. Furthermore, a center is also being established in collaboration with the Department of Persons with Disabilities, for differently-abled youth in Karachi.

·           Department also emphasizes on the women participation in different Youth activities to promote gender equality such as embroidery, beautician and tailoring courses.

·           Furthermore, all possible efforts have been made for the empowerment of Youth on equal footings.

563    *Dr. Fouzia Hameed:

Will the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs be pleased to State:-

Are there any policies regarding sports education and training programs and plans for promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness among youth?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS:

·      The Sports & Youth Affairs Department frequently conducts coaching and training programs for the youth in every district of Sindh. The Department has also built a number of sports complexes, grounds, fitness centers, and mini stadiums in order to promote a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness among the youth of Sindh.

·      Furthermore, the Department is already working on the Sindh Sports Policy which shall be finalized shortly.

1125  *Dr. Fouzia Hameed:

Will the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs be pleased to State:-

(a)      Is it a fact that any events were organized in the province for women during 2022-2024 up-to June;

(b)     If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, the details thereof?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS:

Various sports events were organized across all Districts of Sindh from 2022 to 2024        specifically to promote Women's participation in Sports such as;

·         Organized Sindh Pink Football Championship 2024 at Lyari, in December, 2024 solely organized for Women.

·         Introduced Pink Games Week throughout all the Districts of Sindh Province.

·         Organized Intra-club and school-level events in Boxing, Taekwondo, Chess and Karate specifically for Girls participation across the Province of Sindh.

·         Organized Badminton and Table Tennis Girl’s Championship 2024 at Larkana District in February 2024.

·         Organized Winter Sports Camps (Badminton, Table- Tennis, and Rope Pulling) specifically for girls training.

·         Organized Hockey, Dodge Ball, Ring Ball and Athletics events in different Districts of Sindh Province for encouraging Women participation in all Sports disciplines in different districts.

Besides, this Department has taken initiatives to promote and encourage Women participation in Sports throughout all the Districts of Sindh province during the (2022-2024) Details is at annexure placed on the Table of the House.

1296  *Mr. Muhammad Daniyal:

Will the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs be pleased to State:-

What steps is the department taking to encourage disabled individuals to participate in sports in the Province?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS:

The Sports & Youth Affairs Department is taking several proactive steps to encourage the participation of disabled individuals in sports across the province:

·         Promotion of Inclusive Sports Events: The Department is actively promoting specific Sports tailored for differently abled individuals to increase their participation at the provincial level.

·         Organization of Sindh Special Games (2025): In 2025, the Department successfully organized the Sindh Special Games in Karachi, providing a competitive platform for disabled athletes.

·         Financial Support for International Athletes: A financial grant of Rs. 2.00 million was awarded to special athletes who represented the Province in International events, as recognition and encouragement.

·         Establishment of Youth Development Center:                                                                                                               

Plans are underway to establish a Youth Development Center/Club for Differently Abled Persons at Nazimabad. This center aims to serve as a Hub for Sports and other recreational activities, enabling disabled individuals (differently-abled) to showcase their talents and engage in regular physical activity.

1297  *Mr. Muhammad Daniyal:

Will the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs be pleased to State:-

What measures does the department taking to encourage swimming in the Province?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS:

The Sports & Youth Affairs Department is promoting swimming through District-level competitions and supporting Provincial participation in National events like the Quaid-e-Azam Inter-Provincial Games. Additionally, thisDepartment is planning to develop proper swimming facilities in the near future to address the current shortage and further encourage participation across Sindh.

1415  *Mr. Mahesh Kumar Hasija:

Will the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs be pleased to State:-

How does the Ministry collaborate with minority organizations to promote sports and youth engagement in these communities?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS:

·         The Sports & Youth Affairs Department believes in providing equal opportunities to all communities, irrespective of their caste, creed, or background. This Department actively collaborates with minority organizations to promote Sports and enhance Youth engagement within their communities.

·         This Department engaged Youth through open calls, ensuring equal participation opportunities without any discrimination and further planning to constitute diverse Youth Committees to ensure direct representation and involvement from all groups, including minorities.

Moreover, this Department organizes Sports competitions and recreational activities in collaboration with minority organizations. Special emphasis placed on creating an inclusive environment where Youth from all communities feel welcomed, encouraged, and motivated to participate. These joint efforts aim to bridge societal gaps, foster social harmony, and ensure equal development opportunities for all.

1416  *Mr. Mahesh Kumar Hasija:

Will the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs be pleased to State:-

How does the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process for youth sports teams?  

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS:

·         The Sports and Youth Affairs Department is fully committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, and merit in the selection process for Youth Sports teams across Sindh.

·         To achieve this, a clearly defined, merit-based selection system is strictly followed. Open trials are conducted at multiple levels District, Regional, and Provincial to ensure equal opportunities for all talented and interested Youth. Every District holds trials to identify and promote local talent without any discrimination.

·         The selection process is overseen by qualified and experienced panels comprising coaches, referees, and Sports officials, who assess players solely on merit. In addition, relevant Sports associations are actively involved at every stage of the process, ensuring expert evaluation and fair representation across all Sports disciplines.

·         To uphold transparency and public trust, most trials are recorded by Designated Officers for monitoring and review purposes. Information regarding trial schedules is widely disseminated through newspapers, official websites, and social media platforms, ensuring outreach to Youth in all parts of the province.

·         Furthermore, this Department invites media representatives to observe and report on the trials, reinforcing accountability and openness in the selection process.

This Department also encourages and facilitates participation from students at school and college levels, providing guidance and logistical support through the District Sports Officers and District Sports Associations. This inclusive approach helps identify deserving Youth and motivates them to represent their institutions and communities with pride.

1467  *Mr. Sajjad Ali Soomro:

Will the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs be pleased to State:-

Number of playgrounds developed in PS-106 Karachi South during the period 01-01-2024 to 01-01-2025 to address youth recreation needs?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS:

The Engineering Wing of this Department has developed (02) play grounds in PS-106, Karachi South, during the period 01-01-2024 to 01-01-2025 to address youth recreational needs. Details is at Annexure placed on the Table of the House.

1798  *Ms. Bilqees Mukhtar:

Will the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs be pleased to State:-

Is it true that the department plans to build eight youth development centres during 2025-2026 if so district-wise detail there of?

ANSWER

SARDAR MUHAMMAD BUX KHAN MAHAR, MINISTER FOR SPORTS AND YOUTH AFFAIRS:

Yes, this Department is currently working on development plans to establish eight Youth Development Centers during 2025–2026, which are being executed by the Engineering Wing. District-wise details of these Youth Development Centers currently under construction are as follows:

KARACHI:                                                               G.M UMAR FAROOQ

DATED THE 19TH JANUARY, 2026                                SECRETARY

PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH