‘Generation Punjab’ initiative being introduced with Rs100bn investment

LAHORE: The Punjab government is introducing the “Generation Punjab” initiative with an investment of Rs 100 billion. The programme aims to empower youth, enhance their capabilities, and provide opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship and modern skills development. “Generation Punjab” will be a first-of-its-kind comprehensive youth package in the province’s history, encompassing multiple development projects for the welfare and advancement of young people, Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said.

According to him, the most significant proposals in the new budget (2026-27) is the establishment of Maryam Nawaz Sports City Lahore at an estimated cost of Rs 50 billion, which will serve as a landmark project for the promotion of sports in Punjab. The budget includes a proposal of Rs 6.60 billion for the development, improvement and upgradation of sports infrastructure and facilities across the province.

He has paid rich tribute to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for allocating historic and record funds for the Sports and Youth Affairs Department in the Punjab Budget 2026-27.

He said that the Chief Minister’s vision for youth development, promotion of sports, and provision of modern facilities will guarantee a brighter future for the youth of Punjab.

The minister stated that the budget will empower young people and mark the beginning of a new era of sports development across the province. He added that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has declared the fiscal year 2026-27 as the “Year of Youth.”

Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar further highlighted that during the fiscal year 2025-26, 42 existing sports facilities were rehabilitated and upgraded at a total cost of Rs 9.53 billion. Under the “Khelta Punjab” initiative, 25 modern multi-purpose sports facilities were established, while two athletic tracks were constructed in Chakwal and Bahawalpur.

The minister expressed confidence that these transformative initiatives will provide unprecedented opportunities for young athletes, strengthen the sports ecosystem, and contribute significantly to the social and economic development of Punjab.

It may be added that the Punjab government has set aside 5500 million rupees for sports in the province for the fiscal year 2026-27.

The Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has declared the fiscal year 2026-27 as “Youth Year” and steps are being taken under an inclusive and organized strategy to develop sports in the province.

During the fiscal year 2025-26, 42 old sports installations worth Rs 9.5 billion, rehabilitation and upgradation projects have been completed. Likewise, 25 innovative multi-purpose sports under the “Play Punjab” programme facilities have been established while two athletic tracks were also constructed in Chakwal and Bahawalpur.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026