Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met national footballer Muhammad Riaz, who recently went viral for selling jalebis to make ends meet. The PM invited Riaz to the PM House after taking notice of his financial struggles and handed him a cheque of Rs. 2.5 million as financial assistance.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz praised Riaz’s courage and determination, saying, “You are the country’s talented player, and we will not let your talent go to waste.” He emphasized that the youth of Pakistan are a valuable asset and assured that providing them with resources to compete internationally is a top priority for the government.
The prime minister directed that Muhammad Riaz be given a job in his preferred federal department. He also instructed that national players should be provided jobs in government institutions based on their abilities. PM Shehbaz further assured Riaz of efforts to revive departmental football in Pakistan, which has been a key source of employment for players in the past.
“Youth should actively participate in sports and other healthy activities,” the PM remarked, urging Riaz to continue playing and contribute to the promotion of football in Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz stressed the need to accelerate efforts for the promotion of sports in the country. He called for a comprehensive strategy to ensure the welfare of players representing Pakistan internationally and to provide them with sustainable employment opportunities.
“A strategy should be formulated for the welfare of players and to provide them with sustainable employment opportunities,” he said.
Muhammad Riaz expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for the financial assistance and his commitment to supporting players. He thanked PM Shehbaz for his efforts to promote sports and improve the welfare of athletes in Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ataullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, PM’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Chairman of the PM’s Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, and Media Coordinator Badar Shehbaz Warraich.