Pakistan approves first National E-sports Policy

July 09, 2026 (MLN):  The federal cabinet has approved Pakistan's first National E-sports Policy, which paves the way for the formal recognition and regulation of competitive gaming as a professional, educational and economic sector.

The policy was developed by the Pakistan E-sports Task Force under the chairmanship of Prime Minister's Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and aims to strengthen the digital economy, create employment opportunities and position Pakistan as a regional hub for E-sports, APP reported.

The policy establishes a comprehensive national framework for the growth of the E-sports sector through collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, academia, telecom operators, game publishers and professional players.

It seeks to build a modern, inclusive and internationally competitive E-sports ecosystem by strengthening digital and institutional infrastructure and introducing a structured governance mechanism.

Under the policy, the government will establish the Esports Federation of Pakistan to regulate and promote the sector.

It also envisages structured competitive pathways for players, stronger institutional support and measures to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and digital skills development.

The policy places particular emphasis on education and training in game development, animation, visual effects (VFX) and other emerging technologies to prepare young Pakistanis for careers in the rapidly expanding digital economy.

It also promotes responsible gaming practices and includes measures to safeguard the wellbeing of young players while encouraging wider youth participation.

According to the PMYP, the policy was developed under the guidance of the Pakistan E-sports Task Force constituted by the Prime Minister, with its formulation also benefiting from technical input and international best practices shared by the British E-sports Federation and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The government aims to position Pakistan as a leading regional destination for E-sports by expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening governance, attracting international partnerships and supporting the growth of the local gaming industry.

The PMYP said the approval of the policy marks a major step towards creating new opportunities for skills development, employment and entrepreneurship, adding that the initiative will help enhance Pakistan's global standing in the fast-growing E-sports industry while supporting the country's broader digital transformation agenda.

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