PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Imran Khan performed groundbreaking of up-gradation project of Hayatabad Sports Complex in Peshawar on Wednesday.

After expansion work at Hayatabad Cricket Stadium, the ICC matches will be played there. The up-gradation of Hayatabad Cricket Stadium will increase the number of stadiums for international cricket in Peshawar to two.

In addition, the Prime Minister also inaugurated fitness gym for women and swimming pool and at Hayatabad Sports Complex.

The Prime Minister was briefed on progress in construction work at Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium.

On the occasion, Imran Khan also performed groundbreaking of cricket stadium in Kalam and Grassy Cricket Ground Swat.

The Prime Minister was also briefed on progress in laying hockey turfs in five districts and under-construction tartan tracks for athletes in four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The steps being taken for promotion of squash and Regi Sports City projects were also highlighted.

Emphasizing importance of local sports, the Prime Minister said steps for promotion of the sports for which Pakistan is known in the world is need of the hour. He regretted that sports were not given due attention during the last several decades.

The Prime Minister said we have to provide better and international standard sports facilities to our youth to help them channelize their energies to positive activities and prove their mettle.