By Farman Ullah
The Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, once touted as a flagship project of the Directorate of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has become a symbol of mismanagement and neglect. Despite a staggering investment of billions of rupees, the stadium remains woefully incomplete, sparking widespread concern and outrage among the public and media.
Unending Development Drama
The stadium’s construction has been ongoing for several years, with no end in sight. The Communication and Works (C&W) department, tasked with overseeing the construction, has witnessed a plethora of engineers visiting the site, yet progress has been glacial. In some instances, engineers have even embarked on foreign trips to inspect equipment, but the project’s stagnation persists.
Lack of Transparency
Alarmingly, sports circles have brought to light subpar construction work at the stadium through social media and TV channels, intensifying public pressure. The project’s transparency and accountability have been called into question, with multiple directors appointed during the construction phase and new positions created, raising suspicions of mismanagement.
Demolition of Mosque and Unresolved Shop Rent Issues
Furthermore, the demolition of the mosque built within the stadium premises has raised eyebrows, as it is no longer incorporated into the new design. Additionally, the issue of shops constructed outside the stadium remains unresolved, with leaseholders from the 1990s still awaiting resolution. A dispute over rent led to non-payment, yet some officials have been secretly collecting rent, prompting several individuals to come forward and expose this malpractice.
A Call for Action
In light of these developments, the Arbab Niaz Stadium and shop rent issues must be addressed promptly, ensuring transparency, accountability, and a swift resolution to this protracted saga. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserve better, and it is time for the authorities to take concrete steps to rectify this situation.