K. Jahangir
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term development of women’s football, with PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani declaring that ‘every year will be the year of women’s football in Pakistan’ during the federation’s first-ever Women’s Football Symposium held in Islamabad.
The landmark event brought together officials from football, government institutions, development organisations, media and former players to discuss strategies aimed at strengthening the women’s game and creating sustainable pathways for female athletes across the country. Addressing the symposium, Gilani said the recent progress of Pakistan women’s football had started attracting international attention, adding that discussions around Pakistan’s women footballers were heard during the recent FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
He stressed that the future of women’s football depended on building a complete structure rather than focusing solely on the national team. “Women’s football is not only about the national side. It is about creating a strong ecosystem that includes players, coaches, referees, administrators and fans,” Gilani said. “The game needs substance, structure and continuity to grow at every level.”
The PFF president also underlined the importance of greater female representation in football administration and decision-making roles, saying women should lead and shape the future of women’s football in Pakistan. Chief guest Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto praised the recent performances of Pakistan’s women footballers on the international stage, including participation in the FIFA Series, SAFF Futsal Championship and AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. She said Pakistani women had consistently demonstrated their potential whenever provided proper opportunities and institutional support.
Meanwhile, Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, Secretary of the Inter-Provincial Coordination Ministry and Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board, announced plans to launch a national schoolgirls football tournament. He also assured the federation of support in providing infrastructure, logistics and equipment for women’s football activities.
PFF Chief Operating Officer Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar reiterated the federation’s commitment to building a sustainable future for women’s football in Pakistan, saying the PFF, in collaboration with FIFA and the AFC, remained fully committed to promoting the women’s game at all levels.
He also stressed the importance of government support, progressive football-friendly policies and the role of football in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, while acknowledging the need to overcome social and cultural barriers restricting female participation in the sport.
The COO also lauded the role of President Mohsen Gilani, saying his revolutionary initiatives are helping transform the landscape of the women’s game and creating new opportunities for women footballers across the country. FIFA Head of Development Ariana Demirovic acknowledged Pakistan’s growing presence in international women’s football and reiterated FIFA’s willingness to support long-term development projects in the country.
PFF Head of Women’s Football Mejzgaan Orakzai presented the federation’s strategic roadmap for the women’s game. The symposium also featured discussions on grassroots football, safe playing environments, access to facilities, school competitions and the need for more trained female coaches and referees.
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