Blab Tech
Pakistan Approves First National E-Sports Policy, Plans Infrastructure and Federation
On July 4 2026, Islamabad’s political landscape shifted when the Federal Cabinet gave the green light to Pakistan’s inaugural National E‑Sports Policy. The decision, announced by Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, moves the country from drafting a framework to actively implementing a strategy that recognises e‑sports as a multi‑billion‑dollar global industry.
The policy builds on a draft released in October 2025, when officials first signalled intent to support game developers and digital innovators. By formalising the sector, the cabinet aims to secure Pakistan’s share of a rapidly expanding market and to turn local talent into international competitors.
A cornerstone of the new plan is the construction of dedicated e‑sports arenas and game‑development centres across the country. The government intends to launch these facilities this year, equipping young gamers and developers with professional hardware, studio space and training rooms. The infrastructure will serve as a hub for competitive play, coaching, and collaboration, giving Pakistan’s emerging talent a tangible foundation.
Within the next two months, the policy will also establish Pakistan’s first official e‑sports federation. The federation will organise national competitions, certify players, and align domestic tournaments with international standards. Its creation marks a critical step toward institutionalising the sport and ensuring that Pakistani athletes can compete on a level playing field worldwide.
Beyond physical venues, the policy introduces the National Innovation Awards to recognise and reward young tech innovators. Existing national incubation centres will continue to nurture start‑ups and entrepreneurs, while the awards will spotlight breakthrough projects and provide visibility to promising creators.
The government highlighted Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique as a living example of what the policy can achieve. Siddique’s eighth EVO championship, earned in Las Vegas in 2026, brought him $28,000 and a spot in the Tekken World Tour Finals. His success demonstrates the calibre of talent that can flourish when the right support structures are in place.
By focusing on talent identification and structured training, the policy seeks to replicate Siddique’s trajectory and raise Pakistan’s profile in competitive gaming. The strategy is woven into the broader Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, which has historically promoted education, employment and entrepreneurship among young people. Integrating e‑sports into this programme signals a recognition of the sector’s economic potential and its capacity to engage millions of Pakistani youths.
Implementation will involve close coordination with the Pakistan Sports Board and the Ministry of Inter‑Provincial Coordination, the latter now overseeing the sports board. The board’s experience managing sports infrastructure and funding is expected to streamline the rollout of arenas and development centres.
While the policy has received approval, specific timelines for construction, federation registration and award ceremonies remain to be announced. The government has indicated that the first arenas and the federation’s registration should occur within the next twelve months.
In sum, the National E‑Sports Policy marks Pakistan’s first formal attempt to structure and support its gaming industry. By establishing infrastructure, a governing body and incentives for innovation, the policy aims to harness the country’s large youth population—estimated at 50 to 60 million engaged in e‑sports—and to position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global market.
The policy’s success will hinge on how swiftly arenas are built, how effectively talent‑scouting programmes identify future champions, and how well the new federation aligns national competitions with international standards. As the plan moves from approval to execution, observers will monitor the first arenas, the federation’s registration, and the launch of the National Innovation Awards.
The cabinet’s decision represents a significant milestone for Pakistan’s digital economy, underscoring a government commitment to support a sector that has already produced world‑class talent and that holds substantial economic potential for the country’s future.
The policy builds on a draft released in October 2025, when officials first signalled intent to support game developers and digital innovators. By formalising the sector, the cabinet aims to secure Pakistan’s share of a rapidly expanding market and to turn local talent into international competitors.
A cornerstone of the new plan is the construction of dedicated e‑sports arenas and game‑development centres across the country. The government intends to launch these facilities this year, equipping young gamers and developers with professional hardware, studio space and training rooms. The infrastructure will serve as a hub for competitive play, coaching, and collaboration, giving Pakistan’s emerging talent a tangible foundation.
Within the next two months, the policy will also establish Pakistan’s first official e‑sports federation. The federation will organise national competitions, certify players, and align domestic tournaments with international standards. Its creation marks a critical step toward institutionalising the sport and ensuring that Pakistani athletes can compete on a level playing field worldwide.
Beyond physical venues, the policy introduces the National Innovation Awards to recognise and reward young tech innovators. Existing national incubation centres will continue to nurture start‑ups and entrepreneurs, while the awards will spotlight breakthrough projects and provide visibility to promising creators.
The government highlighted Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique as a living example of what the policy can achieve. Siddique’s eighth EVO championship, earned in Las Vegas in 2026, brought him $28,000 and a spot in the Tekken World Tour Finals. His success demonstrates the calibre of talent that can flourish when the right support structures are in place.
By focusing on talent identification and structured training, the policy seeks to replicate Siddique’s trajectory and raise Pakistan’s profile in competitive gaming. The strategy is woven into the broader Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, which has historically promoted education, employment and entrepreneurship among young people. Integrating e‑sports into this programme signals a recognition of the sector’s economic potential and its capacity to engage millions of Pakistani youths.
Implementation will involve close coordination with the Pakistan Sports Board and the Ministry of Inter‑Provincial Coordination, the latter now overseeing the sports board. The board’s experience managing sports infrastructure and funding is expected to streamline the rollout of arenas and development centres.
While the policy has received approval, specific timelines for construction, federation registration and award ceremonies remain to be announced. The government has indicated that the first arenas and the federation’s registration should occur within the next twelve months.
In sum, the National E‑Sports Policy marks Pakistan’s first formal attempt to structure and support its gaming industry. By establishing infrastructure, a governing body and incentives for innovation, the policy aims to harness the country’s large youth population—estimated at 50 to 60 million engaged in e‑sports—and to position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global market.
The policy’s success will hinge on how swiftly arenas are built, how effectively talent‑scouting programmes identify future champions, and how well the new federation aligns national competitions with international standards. As the plan moves from approval to execution, observers will monitor the first arenas, the federation’s registration, and the launch of the National Innovation Awards.
The cabinet’s decision represents a significant milestone for Pakistan’s digital economy, underscoring a government commitment to support a sector that has already produced world‑class talent and that holds substantial economic potential for the country’s future.
