3 min read
The Pakistan government is preparing to introduce Pakistan’s first-ever National Esports Policy, marking a major step toward strengthening the country’s fast-growing gaming ecosystem. The policy will also establish a national esports federation to organize and regulate the industry.
According to reports, this initiative aims to create a structured framework for gamers, developers, and other professionals in the gaming sector. Pakistan currently has an estimated 60 million gaming enthusiasts, highlighting the massive potential of the country’s digital gaming industry.
Pakistan Government’s Commitment to Digital Growth
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP), said the new policy reflects the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through digital innovation. He described esports as a multibillion-dollar global industry, offering Pakistani players the chance to compete internationally and benefit from sponsorships and prize money. He said:
“Around 60 million Pakistanis are directly or indirectly involved in esports, and the new policy will also support game developers and digital innovators.”
Khan emphasized that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, the government is prioritizing digital inclusion and aims to turn esports into a major pillar of Pakistan’s innovation and technology agenda.
The upcoming esports policy is expected to formalize and expand Pakistan’s growing gaming community, enabling players to compete globally while attracting new investment in the industry.
Pakistan has already made impressive progress in competitive gaming, especially in titles like Tekken and PUBG Mobile. Officials believe the new policy will not only recognize local talent but also help transform esports into a structured, professional sector.
Concerns Over Government Intervention
While the National Esports Policy sounds promising on paper, many in Pakistan’s gaming community are skeptical. They fear that government involvement could do more harm than good.
It’s a recurring pattern in Pakistan; authorities just present themselves as investing in the right things. But their actions often end up serving political or personal interests instead of the community’s. The esports scene, which has grown organically through player passion and community support, could be at risk of bureaucratic interference.
Pakistan’s esports ecosystem is already thriving with global success stories. Players have earned international recognition without any formal government support. So, is this intervention truly necessary? And who can guarantee that the system will remain free from corruption, bias, or favoritism once official bodies take charge?
Another major concern is the visa issue. Many Pakistani esports players struggle to attend international tournaments due to frequent visa rejections. This is a direct result of Pakistan having one of the world’s weakest passports. Instead of introducing new policies, the community believes the government should prioritize solving these real barriers first.
Underlying issues like visa facilitation and fair treatment should be addressed first. Until then, policy announcements will always feel more performative than productive to the very gamers they claim to support.
