Government unveils draft sports policy aimed at reforming Pakistan’s sporting structure

After nearly two decades, the federal government has moved to overhaul Pakistan’s sports administration system by introducing a proposed National Sports Policy 2026, seeking greater autonomy for national federations while redefining the roles of federal and provincial authorities.

As per Dawn, the draft policy, prepared by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), has been circulated among national sports federations for consultation before its expected approval by the federal cabinet. Stakeholders have been asked to submit recommendations by June 2.

Greater autonomy for sports federations

One of the central features of the proposed policy is granting operational independence to national sports federations, provided they comply with governance standards set by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), follow international federation rules and maintain performance accountability.

Under the draft, federations would continue managing national championships, overseeing national teams and developing technical and training systems. The proposal also stresses transparent elections, fixed tenure limits and independent audit mechanisms, indicating that federations may conduct their own electoral processes without direct government intervention.

The issue of autonomy has long remained contentious in Pakistan’s sports landscape. Following the National Sports Policy 2005, the PSB attempted to impose restrictions on office tenures within the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and national federations, triggering years of conflict between sporting bodies and the government.

The dispute intensified after international concerns emerged regarding state interference in sports affairs. In 2015, the International Olympic Committee warned Pakistan of possible sanctions before the POA was eventually recognised as an autonomous body.

The new draft policy reiterates that the POA will remain independent under the Olympic Charter and continue handling Olympic participation, international representation and coordination with global sporting organisations.

National council proposed to improve coordination

To address long-standing administrative fragmentation, the policy proposes the creation of a National Sports Coordination Council (NSCC) under the IPC ministry.

The council would include federal and provincial sports ministers, the PSB director general, the POA president, representatives of sports federations and a Higher Education Commission nominee. Its responsibilities would include resolving disputes, ensuring coordination between provinces and federations, monitoring policy implementation and managing international commitments.

The draft also formally acknowledges sports as a provincial subject under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, while limiting the federal government’s role to policy coordination, international obligations, standard-setting and strategic funding.

Meanwhile, provincial governments would take primary responsibility for infrastructure development, grassroots programmes, talent identification and provincial competitions. The policy additionally proposes establishing Provincial Sports Authorities and provincial sports endowment funds across the country.

New funding model and grassroots focus

Financial constraints have remained a major obstacle for Pakistan’s sports sector, prompting the proposed policy to introduce a National Sports Development Fund.

The fund would draw resources from federal and provincial allocations, sponsorships, corporate social responsibility initiatives and media rights revenue. Provinces would also be encouraged to dedicate at least two per cent of their Annual Development Programmes to sports development.

The draft further promotes public-private partnerships to attract investment in leagues, academies and sports infrastructure, while offering tax incentives to encourage sponsorships.

At the grassroots level, the policy recommends mandatory inter-school and college competitions, a national athlete database and a nationwide talent pathway system extending from local institutions to the federal level.

Officials from several sports federations confirmed receiving the draft and said consultations would be held before final recommendations are submitted. While many welcomed the proposed reforms, they noted that a detailed review would be necessary before giving a final opinion on the policy.