LOWER DIR: Young athletes from Tehsil Adenzai, Lower Dir, have been forced to convert roads into makeshift playgrounds as no designated ground to play cricket or football, the youth risk their safety daily just to pursue their passion for sports.
Locals say that despite repeated promises by political leaders—particularly from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)—not a single sports ground has been built in the area over the past decade. PTI, which governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for over 12 years, had pledged to construct at least one sports ground in every union council. However, this promise remains unfulfilled in many areas, including Kasso village of Tehsil Adenzi.
“Youth in our village are full of talent and energy,” said one resident Abubakr. “But instead of channelling that into national-level sports or community development, they’re playing cricket on narrow village roads, where traffic and accidents are a constant threat.”
The lack of a sports facility is more than just a recreational issue—it highlights broader concerns of neglect and underdevelopment in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Young players in Kasso have expressed frustration, saying that politicians only make promises during election campaigns but fail to deliver once in power.
“We were told that change was coming,” said a local schoolteacher, referring to PTI’s well-known slogan “Tabdeeli (Change).” “But that change never made it to our village. We’re still waiting for basic facilities, let alone sports grounds.” He said.
Community elders and social activists in Adenzai have urged the provincial government to take immediate action to develop sports infrastructure in neglected areas. They believe that providing youth with proper facilities will not only help discover new talent but also keep young people away from drugs and other negative influences.
As of now, the youth of Kasso continue to risk their lives on public roads to keep their sporting dreams alive—dreams that deserve real grounds to grow, not just political promises.
Read also: Bajaur Police clinch title in Police martyrs sports competition
