PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has said that provincial government is committed to providing youth with the best possible facilities and environment.

He was addressing a ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s House on Tuesday for signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between higher education department and Zalmi Foundation to promote sports and health activities in the province, said a statement.

Cabinet members Mina Khan Afridi, Adnan Qadri and Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif along with members of National and provincial assemblies, government officials and representatives of Zalmi Foundation including former cricket players Mohammad Akram, Inzamamul Haq and Kamran Akmal attended the ceremony.

According the statement, this partnership will see the launch of a women’s cricket championship aimed at forming a provincial women’s cricket team that will compete in national tournaments. The initiative aligns with the province’s commitment to achieving relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

HED, Zalmi Foundation sign memorandum of understanding

The women’s cricket championship is scheduled to be held on November 26 to 30 at Hayatabad sports complex, featuring eight teams from the provincial capital and seven divisions. Each team will consist of students, with 50 per cent representing colleges and 50 per cent universities.

The MoU also encompasses the development of sports infrastructure including preparation of pitches and provision of facilities at various grounds.

It also includes a digital skills programme with vocational training workshops.

The agreement outlines plans for a ski festival in Malam Jabba to promote adventure tourism. A winter festival at Chitral University is also planned to boost educational tourism and showcase local arts, culture and traditions.

Speaking on this occasion, the chief minister highlighted the importance of the partnership in fostering healthy activities and appreciated Zalmi Foundation’s cooperation.

He affirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting the initiative. “Our girls are our asset and whenever given a chance, they have made the nation proud,” he added.

He said that provincial government was trying its best to hold the next PSL cricket matches in Peshawar. He said that government was committed to providing youth with the best possible facilities and environment.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2024