Pakistan is laying the groundwork for its first National Esports Policy, signaling a strategic shift in how the country views digital entertainment as both a youth development tool and a contributor to the economy.
With support from the British Esports Federation and the Commonwealth Secretariat, this initiative aims to create a structured framework for game development, digital employment, and global competitiveness.
A series of high-level meetings in Islamabad brought together key government stakeholders and international partners to shape the future of Pakistan’s esports landscape. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja chaired the meetings, with support from the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP), the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the British Esports Federation.
The result was a shared commitment to draft Pakistan’s first comprehensive esports policy and establish a Pakistan Esports Federation.
“Commercialization remains our primary challenge. We seek support to bridge this gap and help our developers access global markets,” Minister Shaza Fatima said, referencing the country’s rising youth talent in game design and app development. She cited Pakistani game developers already publishing on platforms like SEGA and Nintendo, but noted the lack of formal industry support and investment infrastructure at home.
Three-Tiered Strategy
The policy, currently under consultation, will adopt international standards while aligning with Pakistan’s national goals for youth engagement, digital innovation, and job creation.
The proposed framework includes:
- Specialized training programs in game-tech and esports development
- Youth-led funding initiatives to back game startups and digital products
- Support mechanisms for commercializing locally developed games
Chairman PMYP Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan emphasized the broader potential of the initiative. “This is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate on game-tech. We see it as a strategic move to empower our youth and unlock digital employment opportunities,” he said.
The policy will also include efforts to enhance digital infrastructure, including improving internet access and developing gaming arenas, training academies, and esports hubs nationwide.
Youth at the Core
With nearly 64% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, the country’s demographic strength is central to the initiative. A technical assistance program led by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Social Policy Development, Youth and Gender team has already laid the foundation for using esports as a pathway to youth empowerment and digital skills.
“Today, Pakistan stands at the threshold of a new digital era—where Esports is no longer just a game, but a gateway to skills, jobs, innovation, and global relevance,” said Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy, Youth & Gender Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat. “Through this landmark collaboration, we’ve laid the foundation for Esports Pakistan—a national platform that harnesses the power of youth, technology, and talent.”
British Esports Federation offers support
Established in 2016, the British Esports Federation has built a strong reputation for promoting esports as a legitimate educational and economic sector. The Federation’s Vice President, Tom Dore, highlighted the significance of Pakistan’s move.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to visit your country and listen, learn and understand your exciting plans to use esports, video games, and games design as a pillar of your wider digital transformation plan,” Dore shared in a public statement.
What’s next?
The National Esports Policy and the framework for the Pakistan Esports Federation are expected to be finalized in the coming months. Once launched, they will serve as a launchpad for Pakistani youth to compete globally—not just in gaming, but in digital content creation, design, and entrepreneurship.
By formalizing esports as an economic sector, Pakistan is betting on the future of youth-driven innovation to fuel broader digital growth and reduce unemployment across the country. In doing so, it joins a growing list of nations recognizing the strategic value of gaming not just as entertainment, but as infrastructure for the digital economy.