- Boxer Amir Khan expresses grief and condemns Peshawar Terror Attack
- CM asks Khan to train youth in boxing
UK-based Pakistani Boxer Amir Khan has condemned the Peshawar terror attack and expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of 150 people of which 133 were innocent children. He held a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday which was also attended by Punjab Minister for Education and Sports Rana Mashhood, Punjab Sports Board DG, political secretary to chief minister Afzaal Bhatti, father of boxer Amir Khan, Sajjad Khan and his brothers Haroon Khan and Tahir Khan. Prayers were also offered for the departed souls on this occasion.
PESHAWAR TRAGEDY: Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz said that every Pakistani is grieved over the Peshawar terror attack. He said that beasts committed a heinous crime by killing innocent children, adding that there is no example of such brutality in the history of the world. He said that the children martyred in Peshawar school are the children of the entire nation and each and every drop of their blood would not go un-revenged.
The chief minister said that the entire nation has united against terrorism. He said that political, religious and military leadership is also united for curbing terrorists. He said that Pakistanis have rendered invaluable sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
The chief minister reiterated that the country would be purged of terrorists with the force of unity and terrorists will find no place to hide in Pakistan. He said that the trends of extremism can be eliminated through promotion of sports and healthy activities. That is why, the Punjab government is pursuing a comprehensive programme of promoting sports and healthy activities in the province, he added. The chief minister said that the biggest youth festival was held in the province in which a number of international records were set. He said that Pakistan has tremendous potential in sports and youth festival is the biggest programme to tap the potential.
He said that in those societies where there are proper sports grounds, the hospitals in such areas present a deserted look. He said that youth can also be stopped from negative activities through promotion of sports. He said that new sports grounds and state-of-the-art sports centres have been set up in different districts of Punjab. He said that modern facilities of sports have been provided in sports centres and gymnasia.
MODERN BOXING ACADEMY: While congratulating boxer Amir Khan on becoming champion of Silverlight Welterweight Category of World Boxing Council, the chief minister said that Khan has won laurels for Pakistan in the field of boxing. He said that there is a need of modern training centre for Pakistani boxers. He said that a modern boxing academy is being set up in the provincial capital in collaboration with World Boxing Council and Punjab Sports Board for providing training to Pakistani boxers. He said that president and vice president of World Boxing Council will visit Pakistan next month in this regard. With the setting up of academy, he said, boxing will be promoted in Pakistan and professional boxers will be polished by imparting modern training.
The chief minister offered Khan to impart training to Pakistani boxers in boxing academy being set up at the Sports Complex, Ferozpur Road, adding that it would be pleasure for the country if Khan provides training to Pakistani boxers in this academy.
Amir Khan said he is pleased to see that the Punjab chief minister is doing positive work for the promotion of sports in Punjab and he is willing to impart training of international standard to Pakistani boxers. He also appreciated the efforts of the government for establishing boxing academy.
