Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Culture, Asim Sharif Butt, emphasized the role of sports in promoting social harmony during a meeting with Rao Javed Iqbal, founder and honorary secretary general of the Pakistan Institute of Hockey (PIH).
Butt reiterated the government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure in Azad Kashmir, mentioning the provision of facilities and equipment along with the organization of various competitions. He emphasized prioritizing hockey, including the installation of artificial turf, making hockey mandatory in schools, and holding tournaments at different levels. He said these efforts aim to raise awareness about the national game among the public, especially the youth.
The minister said that promoting sports activities, especially hockey, would create social cohesion, unity, tolerance, and patience in society. He believed that engaging in healthy activities would help protect youth from psychological distress and social evils, which would play a positive role in Kashmir’s development and progress.
Butt appreciated PIH’s nationwide efforts to revive hockey and thanked them for their interest in promoting the sport in Azad Kashmir. He pledged full cooperation with the institute and outlined joint projects, including coaching clinics to promote modern hockey techniques. Rao Javed Iqbal presented the minister with a traditional Sindhi Ajrak. PIH Joint Secretary Makhdoom Asif Naeem Hashmi also attended the meeting.