Punjab Chief Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that militancy and terrorism had caused an irreparable loss to sports in Pakistan besides economy and social sector. He said this while addressing a function held here to honour Pakistan Women Cricket team, which earned Gold Medal in Asian Games in China.
Among others, Senior Advisor to CM Sirdar Zulifqar Ali Khan Khosa, Punjab Minister Dr Tanvir ul Islam, PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt, Javed Miandad, Intikhab Alam, Wasim Bari, Bushra Aitaza, Sultan Rana, MNAs, MPAs attended the ceremony. The Chief Minister said Pakistan was passing through very difficult situation. He hoped that difficult days would be over and normalcy would be restored. "In difficult situation, victory in any sport event brings happiness for the countrymen," he said.
Stressing women empowerment, he said all out efforts needs to be made to exploit potential for betterment of women. He said the government spent Rs 0.7 million on medical education of a woman but majority of them become part of "Coffee Party" after becoming a doctor. He called for checking this tendency in the interest of the country.
Shahbaz also shared his past memories with PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt as well as in cricket. He was all praise of women cricketers who despite difficult situation earned honour for the country by getting Gold Medal in Asian Games. The Chief Minister also announced to give dedicated cricket ground to women cricketers. He also said that setting up of Girls Cricket Academy is need of the hour.
PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt said on the occasion that women cricketers had worked hard and earned laurel for the country. He said girls were optimistic about winning gold in this event even before proceeding to China. Earlier, the Chief Minister awarded cheques and souvenirs to women cricketers as well as management. He also acknowledged the services of Shireen Pasha and Begum Bushra Aitza.