Punjab CM announces construction of Lahore Stadium
Says horse & cattle show, indoor games
will also be held at new venue; Centre to provide Rs 100m
By our correspondent
LAHORE: Chief Minister Ch Pervaiz Elahi has announced construction of Lahore Stadium over an area of 736 Kanal near Harbanspura on GT Road.
Presiding over a meeting at the Chief Minister’s House here on Sunday, he said the project would provide recreational facilities to the people and promote sports as well as cultural activities.
He said the national horse and cattle show could also be held there in a better and organised manner, and added the construction of the stadium would be a combination of traditional and modern architecture.
Chief Secretary Kamran Rasool, Additional Chief Secretary Khushnood Akhtar Lashari, P&D Board Chairman Salman Ghani, LG&RD Secretary Najibullah Malik and Sports Secretary Arshad Bhatti among other officers were also present.
He said the government was spending huge funds for the provision of recreational facilities to the people and promotion of cultural and sports activities, as it would help constitute a healthy society. He said foundation of the project would soon be laid.
He said the project would cost Rs 1 billion and out of which the federal government would provide Rs 100 million. He said this stadium would have a seating capacity of 40,000 spectators.
A press enclosure would also be constructed in the stadium, he said and added industrial and social welfare exhibitions and commercial areas would also be established which would enhance trade activities. He said suitable arrangements would be made for the display of local products.
He said besides cricket, polo and football, indoor games would also be held in the stadium. Moreover, he said, a hotel and joy land would be set up.
He said the project would be executed with the joint efforts of C&W, industries, local government, social welfare and sports departments.
Chief Secretary Kamran Rasool informed the meeting that village Rakh Jhabil near Harbanspura would be the most suitable site for the purpose.
Meanwhile the CM expressed deep sense of sorrow over the death of journalist Maqbool Sharif. In a condolence message to the bereaved family, he said he shared their grief. He prayed that Allah might rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant strength and courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.
========== apart from its dual purpose, I dont know how the hell they will arrange football, cricket and polo on same ground 
when our politicians boast they boast big time.
i know there is no good stadium for football in the country apart from sports complex Islamabad.
but I strongly dissagree with this new venture that will everything in it, from horse and cattle show to trade fairs, joyland park etc.
one good thing it will atleast be away from gaddafi stadium where we have four at same place, hocky, cricket, LCCI, and other one for cycling i guess.
but I think this should have given to other smaller cities in pujab, ie, Multan or faisalabad, jehlem etc those cities that have fewer grounds of high class.
but as always it has to be L ahore, being Lahorite i still feel uneasy about it.
what you guys think?