KARACHI (Dunya News) - Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has inaugurated Pak Wonder Ground in Paposh Nagar and launched a football tournament to promote the sport and provide young people with healthy recreational activities.
Addressing the ceremony, Hafiz Naeem said the government had failed to provide adequate sports facilities for young people. He alleged that those in power had occupied parkland through illegal land subdivisions, adding that the public had rejected those responsible.
He claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami had secured the highest number of votes in the local government elections but the establishment had prevented its mayor from taking office.
Despite limited resources, he said, his party was working beyond its available authority and resources instead of merely complaining. He congratulated Nazimabad Town Chairman Syed Muhammad Muzaffar and his team on restoring the ground for public use.
Hafiz Naeem said the Jamaluddin Afghani School had also been renovated and restored under Nazimabad Town's administration. He expressed concern over the open sale of drugs across the country and their growing presence near educational institutions and sports grounds.
He alleged that both boys and girls were being drawn into drug use and said drug dens could not operate without the alleged connivance of the local police station.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief also criticised the excavation of Karachi's roads in the name of the Red, Yellow and Green Line projects. He said providing young people with positive activities could help them excel in sports and education and bring recognition to the country.
He said efforts were being made to help young people become accomplished athletes alongside pursuing their education.
Hafiz Naeem announced that a football tournament featuring 16 of the city's top teams would be held at Pak Wonder Ground. The winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs100,000, while the runners-up will get Rs50,000.
He described Mohsin Yousufzai as a prominent figure in football who was providing training to players in Pakistan.
He urged those interested in developing a strong football team in Karachi to contact Alkhidmat, saying football kits would also be provided. He encouraged players to launch a campaign for the restoration of sports grounds and pledged Jamaat-e-Islami's support through football kits and other resources.