ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a landmark step in formalising its digital gaming sector, announcing its first national e-sports policy along with plans to establish a dedicated e-sports federation.
The announcement was made by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, during a ceremony in Islamabad. He revealed that nearly 60 million Pakistanis are directly or indirectly connected to the e-sports ecosystem, and the new policy aims to support not only professional gamers but also game developers and digital innovators.
“This initiative, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is part of the government’s concrete efforts to create meaningful opportunities for the youth,” Mashhood stated.
Pakistani e-sports athletes have garnered global recognition, with Tekken champion Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique leading the charge. Siddique, a seven-time EVO champion, secured his sixth title at the EVO 2025 Championship in Las Vegas this August, triumphing over fellow Pakistani star Atif Butt in the final.
The move to formalise e-sports marks a significant cultural and economic shift, positioning Pakistan as a rising force in the global gaming industry. However, critical details—including the policy’s draft timeline, funding models, and regulatory framework—remain pending.
While the announcement signals strong political will, observers say its success will depend on transparent implementation and industry collaboration. For now, Pakistan’s gaming community is hopeful that this policy will unlock new avenues for growth, investment, and international recognition.
