Amid continued financial pressure, Pakistan’s federal government has allocated Rs1.1 billion for sports infrastructure projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2025–26. While modest in size, the allocation reflects a strategic push to strengthen athletic facilities and develop talent across the country.
At the centre of the new investment is the Arshad Nadeem/Shehbaz Sharif High Performance Sports Academy in Islamabad. Named after the country’s Olympic javelin thrower and the Prime Minister, the academy is estimated to cost Rs2.852 billion, with Rs300 million earmarked for the current fiscal year. No detailed completion timeline has been shared, hinting that the project may proceed in phases or is awaiting final approvals.
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Faisalabad will also see new facilities, with Rs100 million allocated for a Rs241 million project that includes a multipurpose sports complex and two padel courts, aimed at encouraging sports at the community level.
In addition to new ventures, Rs779 million will support eight ongoing infrastructure schemes. These include improvements to existing regional facilities and previous provincial-level projects.
Beyond bricks and mortar, the federal sports budget totals Rs17.8 billion. It includes Rs30 million to build 250 mini sports complexes nationwide, Rs150 million for organising the National Games, and Rs120 million to establish a biomechanics lab to aid athlete training and injury prevention. Rs100 million has also been allocated for hiring foreign coaches to enhance performance in Olympic disciplines.
