ISLAMABAD: Minister of Interprovincial Coordination IPC Ehsanur Rehman Mazari on Saturday held a meeting with the officials of Ministry of Interprovincial Coordination.

 

It was his first official meeting with the staff of the ministry since taking oath as the Federal Minister. Secretary IPC briefed the Minister about operations and mandate of the Ministry. He explained the roles of various sections and wings of IPC and gave details about the various programs going on in the ministry.

 

According to a press release, Pakistan Sports Board PSB is the hub of the sporting activities of the country and the Minister was given a presentation regarding the functions, budgets, board of the PSB. Director General Col r Asif Zaman was introduced to the Minister and an overview of the various schemes was given to the new Minister.

 

At this moment, salient features of the new National Sports Policy and what problems it aims to solve were discussed. Participants were told establishment of a Sports University was also on the agenda of the ministry. The Minister was briefed that the Cash reward policy for the athletes is also under review as it needs to be updated. Database for the athletes and features to help track the performance of the athletes was briefed about as well.

 

The Minister stressed to expedite the work on various initiates and asked for separate detailed meetings on various important issues before the meeting to hit the ground running. He remarked that, “Sports and tourism are integral to the promotion of the softer image of the country and we to leverage whatever resources available to us to enhance the soft image of the country.

 

Secretary IPC also informed the new Minister about the major achievements of the ministry and its role in conducting 14th South Asian Games and solving FIFA membership crisis. Since the Minister had previously served as Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh on Youth and Sports, he was well versed with the sporting landscape of the country and knew many issues and stakeholders already.

 

PSB, Federal Land Commission, Nation Internship Program, Department of Tourist Services, IPCC, Gun and Country Club, and Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council their functions, roles and mandate was discussed in the meeting.

 

Next week will see a kick off of various daily meetings on individual topics and organizations related to Ministry of IPC starting with PSB and National Sports Policy. The Minister stressed to wrap up briefings before Eid so that he can actually set the agenda and get work done as soon as possible.