A Ceremony in KP Sports Directorate: Glorifying Service and Encouraging Sports Congregation

 

 

In an unusual and genuine moment in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate, Sports Minister Syed Fakhar Jahan volunteered to host the National Games each year, asserting that if any province cannot take on the role, KP stands prepared to rise to the occasion. "Not everything is about money," he maintained, "particularly in sports. We are fully committed to providing our athletes with support and will continue improving facilities and opportunities in the future as well."

This ceremony—historic in context—commemorated several milestones. It was the first of its kind to converge the employees of the sports directorate, the coaches, the District Sports Officers (DSOs), and association representatives at one place. The ceremony saw farewell being given to the outgoing Director General Abdul Nasir Khan (who has since been posted as Deputy Commissioner) and arrival of the new DG, Tashfeen Haider. The long service of the Directorate's finance head, who remained for more than four decades, was also recognized.

The Director General's post at the KP Sports Directorate is usually compared to that of a king—to manage sports activities in 35 districts and head all provincial endeavors for sporting development. But such "kingship" comes with problems. The respect, privileges, and limelight that go with the job can cause conflict among stakeholders. Notwithstanding this, ex-DG Abdul Nasir was commended for conducting sports tournaments and holding the Directorate in check under political and bureaucratic stress. His success was made public by the Minister, the Secretary for Sports, and delegates of district associations.

What gave the occasion an extra edge was its non-formal, accommodating nature. One retiring Class-IV worker was brought onto the stage, rewarded with a turban, and valued on a par with high-ranking officers. An aging aide, having advanced from lower levels to Grade-18, appeared on the podium for the very first time during his professional career, thanking the Minister, DG, and organizations for appreciation.

In the materialistic world of the present, in which honor tends to be tied to luxury cars and high-class jobs, this act by the Sports Department was a landmark—it set a precedent for others. A retired government official who couldn't make it to the occasion was still revered through his images and recognized on stage, for which there was warm applause.

Minister Fakhar Jahan commended the role of sports associations, crediting KP's better show in events such as the Quaid-e-Azam Games to cohesion among stakeholders. He promised that the province is prepared to maintain this winning trend at the National Games and underlined the need to preserve traditional games such as polo.

Sports Secretary Zia-ul-Haq, visibly delighted, described it as the first time in his career to be a part of such a warm and welcoming event. He appreciated the media role in promoting sports and urged the practice of such ceremonies to be followed.

Abdul Nasir, addressing his farewell, noted he started his tenure during the caretaker government, with nearly no activities in progress. But everything changed after the incumbent Sports Minister and his advisor assumed charge. "They stressed work, work, ," he stated. He pointed to the completion of projects such as the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, the installation of stadium lights, and the plan to construct 20 residential flats for staff. He admitted being termed "strict" but said that his strictness was always for the Directorate's betterment.

 

He also addressed media criticism, saying he welcomed it and used it constructively to make better choices. Addressing the new DG, Tashfeen Haider, he was confident of the support of the staff and concluded by stating, "To those older than me, I will remain a younger brother. To those younger, I'll always be an elder brother—available whenever needed."

The ceremony concluded with traditional garlands, turbans, and tributes by Regional Sports Officers, DSOs, and association leaders. They not only welcomed the outgoing DG but also opened up a dialogue with the new DG, who has been an Additional Secretary in the past.

If events like this continue, with active collaboration between associations and officials, there is real potential for sports development in KP. However, this will require strategic planning. Many stakeholders express frustration over lack of funding for projects, while others demand a shift in focus from infrastructure to athletes’ welfare.

The Directorate also has a long-pending development project of more than a thousand schemes, initiated five years ago. Even though substantial salaries and perks have been appropriated under the project in recent times, its real contribution is still minimal. This must be considered immediately by the Minister, Secretary, and new DG.

No less crucial is the institution of an open accountability system within the Directorate to ensure public confidence and stimulate progress. Honoring contributions—of whatever grade—is a tradition that should be sustained. But performance, for lasting sports development, must always remain a top concern.