In the heart of Islamabad stands Jinnah Stadium, a place every athlete from the capital knows well. It’s where school sports days were held, where national games took place, and where generations of young runners, footballers, and athletes trained with dreams of representing Pakistan. The Stadium is still waiting for renovation, flood lights upgradation, broadcast facilities and other basic facilities

But today, this iconic venue — one of the city’s oldest multi-purpose sports complexes — is struggling even to meet basic standards, while the government has announced a massive Rs. 12 billion for building a brand-new cricket stadium in the capital.

For many, the contrast feels unfair. The stadium that once symbolized Islamabad’s sporting identity is being left behind.

Jinnah Stadium Losing Its Shine

Jinnah Sports Stadium was once built to meet international standards and has hosted countless major events over the years. But walk through it now, and you’ll immediately notice the neglect.

Outdated Floodlights

The stadium’s floodlights barely work. Evening matches and training sessions are almost impossible, forcing events to wrap up before sunset. For an international-standard venue, this is a basic requirement — yet it remains unfixed.

No Broadcasting Facilities

In a world where sports depends heavily on TV coverage and live streaming, the stadium doesn’t even have proper camera positions or a commentary box. As a result, even if an event is held, it cannot be broadcast professionally.

General Wear and Tear

From the running track to the seating areas, nearly everything needs repair or upgrades. The stadium still attracts thousands of athletes every week, but it clearly hasn’t been maintained the way it deserves.

The Rs. 12 Billion Question

The recent allocation of Rs. 12 billion for a new Islamabad Cricket Stadium has stirred debate. Of course cricket is the country’s biggest sport — no one denies that — but many people wonder:

Why build something entirely new when the city’s main multi-purpose Jinnah stadium is falling apart?
Why not upgrade what already exists before investing billions elsewhere?
Why should only one sport receive such massive funding while others struggle for the basics?

Athletes from Islamabad argue that even a fraction of this budget could transform Jinnah Sports Stadium into a world-class facility again.

Why Jinnah Stadium Deserves Special Attention

1. It’s Part of Islamabad’s Identity

Long before malls and modern landmarks, Jinnah Stadium was one of the places that defined the city. Generations grew up watching events there. It’s a place full of memories and pride.

2. It Serves Multiple Sports, Not Just One

Unlike a cricket stadium, Jinnah Stadium is home to:

athletics
football
rugby
school and community events
training camps

One upgrade benefits many sports — not just one.

3. It Can Host International Events Again

With proper floodlights, a new track, and broadcasting systems, Islamabad could host international athletics and football events. Right now, we lose these opportunities simply because the stadium is outdated.

4. It Supports Youth Development

Thousands of young athletes from the capital and nearby areas depend on this stadium. Neglecting it means blocking opportunities for future national and international athletes.

5. Renovation Is Faster and Cheaper

Renovating Jinnah Stadium would cost only a small portion of the Rs. 12 billion being spent elsewhere — and the results would be immediate.

A Call for Balanced Sports Investment

Building a new cricket stadium is not a bad idea. But ignoring the existing backbone of Islamabad’s sports scene is. Pakistan needs balanced investment — not a system where almost all attention and money goes to one sport.

Jinnah Sports Stadium is not just a venue. It is a national asset, a symbol of Islamabad’s sporting spirit, and a home for countless athletes. Renovating it is not just maintenance — it’s an investment in youth, in sports diversity, and in the identity of the capital itself.

If the government truly wants to promote sports, then Jinnah Sports Stadium deserves immediate and serious attention before it loses its legacy completely.