President Mamnoon Hussain has inaugurated newly-established state of the art Sports City in Narowal on Sunday.

Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Najam Aziz Sethi were also present on this occasion.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the President said that the sports and extra-curricular activities play important role in mental, psychical and intellectual growth of the youth and their personality development.

He said that the government is taking practical measures to ensure provision of modern sports facilities for the youth in accordance with international standards.

He said that the government is also striving hard to produce new outstanding players who would lighten up the name of the country across the world.

Mamnoon Hussain said that the country where playgrounds have hustle and bustle, its youth are normally more strong not only psychically but also mentally and spiritually.

He said that promotion of sports and recreational activities helps prevent propagation of negative and extremist tendencies among the youth and inclines them towards positive and constructive activities.

He expressed regret that Pakistan used to rule the world of sports in Hockey, Squash and Snooker, however, now the country is regaining its lost glory and prestige in sports due to measures taken by the government.

The President extended heartiest congratulations to the residents of Narowal on the establishment of state of the art Sports City.

He lauded the efforts of Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal for the development and prosperity of Narowal city.

Meanwhile addressing the ceremony Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that the government is utilizing all available resources to provide modern sports and recreational facilities to the masses.

He said that today the biggest project in the history of Narowal City has been inaugurated.

He said that the specialty of this event was that Pakistan's four former cricket captains including Inzamam Ul Haq, Misbah ul Haq, Shoaib Malik and Muhammad Hafeez were present in the ceremony.

Ahsan Iqbal thanked the legend cricketers who had come there to encourage local players.

Speaking on this occasion, Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Najam Sethi said that the significance of the Sports City project can judged from its inauguration by President Mamnoon Hussain.

He said that all steps are being taken for the restoration of international cricket in Pakistan.

He lauded the support of the Interior Minister in this regard.