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Collaboration to Develop National Esports Policy in Pakistan
Pakistan is taking significant steps to establish a structured framework for the esports industry. A high-level meeting was recently held, bringing together representatives from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the British Esports Federation. The objective of this meeting was to advance the development of the country’s first National Esports Policy and support the formation of the Pakistan Esports Federation.
The initiative aims to integrate esports into the formal economic sector, creating new opportunities for youth engagement, digital skill-building, and innovation-driven employment. This effort reflects a growing recognition of the potential of the gaming industry as a key contributor to the national economy.
The meeting was led by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive environment for the growth of esports in Pakistan. She was joined by Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), who played a key role in co-chairing the event.
Other notable participants included MNA Amna Batool, Zarrar Hasham Khan, the Focal Person for PMYP, and Dr. Muhammad Ali Malik, Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecom. Additionally, representatives from the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme were present, including Deputy Secretary Kalam Neale.
The delegation from the Commonwealth Secretariat was led by Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy, Youth & Gender Development, along with Saima Majeed, Youth Officer. On the other hand, the British Esports Federation was represented by Thomas Dore, Vice President, and Kalam Neale, Head of Education.
Emphasis on Talent and Commercialization
During the discussions, Shaza Fatima highlighted the growing talent pool in game development within Pakistan. She noted that young developers are already publishing games on global platforms such as SEGA and Nintendo. However, she pointed out that while the government is investing in capacity-building and training programs, the main challenge lies in commercialisation.
“We have immense young talent; commercialisation is the bottleneck. We seek your support to help Pakistani developers reach international markets,” she said. This statement underscored the need for strategic partnerships and external support to bridge the gap between local production and global recognition.
To address these challenges, the minister outlined a three-pronged strategy to support the esports and gaming industry. The plan includes:
- Coursework and specialised training in game-tech to build a skilled workforce.
- Funding initiatives aimed at driving youth employment through the gaming sector.
- Targeted support for commercialising locally developed games to ensure they can compete globally.
Strategic Vision for the Future
Chairman PMYP Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan echoed the importance of this initiative, calling it a “wonderful opportunity to collaborate on game-tech.” He emphasized that the move is not only about developing a competitive gaming industry but also about tapping into a high-potential sector that can provide meaningful employment and career opportunities for Pakistani youth.
The collaboration between the government and international partners signals a shift in how esports is perceived in Pakistan. It moves beyond entertainment and into a realm of economic development, innovation, and youth empowerment. With continued efforts and strategic planning, the country could emerge as a significant player in the global esports landscape.
This initiative represents a crucial step toward building a sustainable and thriving gaming ecosystem in Pakistan. By focusing on education, funding, and commercialisation, the nation is laying the groundwork for long-term success in the industry.
