Pakistan is set to take a major step toward recognizing esports as a mainstream industry with the formation of the Prime Minister’s Esports Taskforce. Led by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the task force aims to capitalize on the country’s growing reputation in competitive gaming and develop policies to facilitate its expansion on a global level. With a rapidly expanding gaming community and a history of international success, Pakistan is well-positioned to establish itself as a major player in the esports industry.
Esports has been on the rise in Pakistan, with several athletes making a mark on the global stage. One of the most notable figures is Syed “Sumail” Hassan, a prodigious Dota 2 player who became the youngest-ever winner of The International in 2015 with Evil Geniuses. His career earnings surpass $4 million, making him one of the highest-earning esports athletes in the world. Another Pakistani gaming legend, Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique, has dominated the Tekken scene, securing multiple international championships, including five Evolution Championship Series (EVO) titles and a victory at the Tekken World Tour Finals in 2023. Rising talent Atif Butt has also emerged as a formidable player in Tekken 7, qualifying for the World Esports Championship in 2023. Meanwhile, Shahzeb “ShahZaM” Khan has made a name for himself in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Valorant, leading teams like Sentinels to victory in major tournaments.
These achievements highlight Pakistan’s growing influence in esports, yet the industry remains largely unsupported in terms of infrastructure, sponsorships, and government backing. The formation of the Prime Minister’s Esports Taskforce is expected to change that by developing robust policies and establishing the Pakistan Esports Board. The initiative will focus on talent development, streamlining international participation, and bringing private sector investment into esports leagues and franchises.
The timing of this initiative is crucial, given the upcoming Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, which had a $60 million prize pool in 2024. Additionally, the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027—set to be hosted in Saudi Arabia until 2034—presents another major opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its talent. With proper policy implementation and investment, esports could become as significant as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been for cricket, potentially generating substantial revenue and international recognition for the country. Beyond individual competitions, Pakistan’s leadership in the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Taskforce also provides an opportunity to promote regional collaboration. By organizing training programs and tournaments with Commonwealth and OIC countries, the country can foster a broader esports ecosystem that benefits young gamers across multiple nations. This initiative would not only create new opportunities for players but also solidify Pakistan’s role as a leading esports hub.
The appointment of industry experts and key stakeholders to the task force ensures that esports will be developed with insights from experienced professionals. With government backing and collaboration from private entities, the industry can finally receive the structured support it needs to flourish. The mission is clear: Pakistan must act swiftly to ensure its players have the resources and infrastructure to compete at the highest level. The enthusiasm surrounding this initiative is evident, with members of the task force expressing their excitement about shaping the future of esports in Pakistan. With the right strategy and execution, the country can establish itself as a global leader in competitive gaming, creating opportunities for thousands of aspiring esports professionals. The journey has just begun, but the potential is undeniable.
