Islamabad authorities are pressing ahead with plans to host a Neza Bazi (tent-pegging) and horse/camel show at Jinnah Stadium on February 26, 27, and 28, despite objections from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
The decision has raised concerns about the potential damage to the state-of-the-art facility, which is primarily designated for Olympic and Asian Games sports.
A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a local reporter highlighted the escalating tensions surrounding the event. According to the reporter, Islamabad authorities arrived at Jinnah Stadium and arrested the venue’s Chief Security Officer, Captain Ashraf, for allegedly denying permission for the event.
Earlier this month, the PSB had formally rejected a proposal from the Ministry of Interior to organize the tent-pegging and horse show, emphasizing that Jinnah Stadium is intended solely for international sports events. The PSB expressed concerns that hosting such traditional events could jeopardize the facility’s integrity and its reputation as a premier venue for Olympic-level competitions.
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, the PSB’s Deputy Director General, Syed Naveedur Rehman, articulated the board’s apprehensions. The letter detailed a recent visit by high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Interior to Jinnah Stadium, where plans for the tent-pegging event were reportedly discussed.
Rehman emphasized that Jinnah Stadium is a FIFA-approved facility designed specifically for international football matches and athletic events. He warned that allowing a tent-pegging event could cause irreversible damage to the athletic track, which was developed with substantial government funding. The sharp metal pegs used in tent-pegging, along with the impact of horses’ hooves, could severely compromise the track’s surface, rendering it unsuitable for future athletic competitions.
The PSB’s letter also highlighted the potential ramifications of hosting the tent-pegging event, particularly with the 14th South Asian Games approaching. Any deterioration in the stadium’s condition could disqualify it from hosting international events, tarnishing Pakistan’s reputation on the global stage and leading to financial losses due to necessary repairs and potential penalties.
Rehman pointed out that a suitable alternative venue for tent-pegging already exists at the Polo Ground in Islamabad Club and Fatima Jinnah Park in F-9, which is specifically designed for equestrian events. This facility would allow for the event to proceed without risking damage to Jinnah Stadium, preserving its status as a premier venue for international sports.