Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Monem Zafar Khan, criticized the government for failing to provide healthy activity opportunities for Karachi’s youth, citing negligence as the main barrier. Speaking at the inauguration of the Football Championship 2024-25 tournament held at 16-Star Football Ground in Federal B Area, Khan noted, “Karachi’s youth have immense talent and potential. With proper support, they could become global ambassadors for Pakistan.” Despite limited resources, Jamaat-e-Islami has established 115 parks and revived sports fields across nine towns in just one year. Khan emphasized that their priority is to create more opportunities for youth to engage in healthy activities, adding that the tournament would foster positive trends in society.
At the event, Gulberg Town Chairman Nusratullah and Central Football Association President Kifayatullah also addressed the audience.
Khan congratulated the organizers and promised continued support at the town level. He highlighted the challenges youth face, noting a Sindh Sports Federation report revealing that while Karachi has 229 sports fields, many are inaccessible due to high usage costs. Khan pointed out the achievements of local athletes like Rameez Ibrahim, who recently won a gold medal in an international bodybuilding competition, yet received no government support or recognition. Nusratullah emphasized that such activities are crucial for the youth’s development and promised more opportunities at the town level. In his speech, Kifayatullah thanked Jamaat-e-Islami for their support and encouragement.