Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that construction of a major Sports City will begin in 2026, which she has declared the “Year of Youth” in the province.
She said the initiative reflects the government’s strong focus on sports development and youth engagement.
Speaking at a ceremony, the chief minister said 3,000 athletes will participate in the upcoming Punjab Games, highlighting the scale of sporting activities being promoted across the province.
She stated that her government is taking concrete steps to revive sports grounds and create opportunities for young people. The goal, she said, is to encourage youth to move away from excessive use of mobile phones and electronic devices and toward healthy physical activities.
CM Maryam Nawaz said Punjab has immense sporting talent and assured athletes that all possible facilities will be provided to help them succeed.
Emphasizing the role of women in national development, she said women are working alongside men in every field. “A woman can run a country, a province, an industry and a ministry,” she said, adding that women can not only serve as chief minister but also compete strongly with men in leadership roles.
She further stated that women are capable of fighting wars and flying aircraft, stressing their resilience in the face of challenges.
The chief minister thanked the young girls who warmly welcomed her at the event and reiterated that empowering women remains a key priority of her administration.
She also claimed that the crime rate against women in Punjab has significantly declined. Referring to the recent Basant festival in Lahore, she said record compliance with regulations was ensured during the celebrations.
CM Maryam Nawaz said it is her responsibility to provide moments of happiness and positive opportunities to the people of Punjab. She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to youth development, sports promotion, and women’s empowerment initiatives.
