Pakistan is preparing to launch its first national esports policy and create a dedicated esports federation to support the country’s expanding gaming ecosystem. The initiative aims to introduce a structured framework for players, developers, and innovators within Pakistan’s growing esports community, which now includes an estimated 60 million enthusiasts. The move represents a significant step toward formalizing esports as a recognized and organized industry in Pakistan, aligning with global trends where digital entertainment and competitive gaming have emerged as major economic and cultural forces.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan emphasized that the government is taking practical measures to empower young Pakistanis by integrating them into emerging digital industries such as gaming. He noted that esports, a multibillion-dollar global industry involving competitive video gaming, offers vast opportunities for professional growth, international exposure, and innovation. The policy framework is expected to address key areas such as training infrastructure, sponsorship facilitation, regulatory support, and the inclusion of local developers and event organizers within a unified national strategy. By establishing clear guidelines, the government aims to create an environment where players and teams can compete professionally both domestically and on international platforms.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government is committed to creating sustainable opportunities for youth engagement through technology-driven sectors. He said that esports will be an integral component of Pakistan’s broader digital growth agenda, bridging entertainment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The upcoming policy will not only promote gaming as a career path but also aim to integrate educational programs, skill development initiatives, and support for local game production. With a growing number of Pakistani players already achieving recognition in international tournaments, the establishment of a national esports policy will provide much-needed structure and visibility to this fast-growing sector.
Pakistan’s rising prominence in global esports titles such as Tekken and PUBG Mobile has already laid the groundwork for the new initiative. Local players have achieved notable rankings in international competitions, reflecting the untapped potential of Pakistan’s gaming community. Industry observers believe that with official recognition and organized support, esports could evolve into a significant contributor to the national economy through sponsorships, event hosting, and digital content creation. The proposed esports federation will act as the central governing body for overseeing tournaments, setting standards, and coordinating with international esports organizations. By developing a comprehensive policy framework, Pakistan seeks to strengthen its position within the global gaming landscape while providing young people with a viable platform to channel their skills and creativity.
The introduction of a national esports policy underscores the government’s focus on nurturing innovation and supporting youth participation in digital industries. It marks an important step toward formalizing Pakistan’s gaming community and integrating it into the country’s wider digital transformation efforts. Through this initiative, the government hopes to empower young talent, attract investment in esports infrastructure, and establish Pakistan as an emerging hub for competitive gaming in the region.
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