Govt taking various steps for promotion of sports: President

ISLAMABAD—President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday said the government is taking a number of steps for the promotion of sports activities in the country, with substantial amount being spent for this purpose.
He was talking to the President of International Olympics Committee, Dr. Jacques Rogge who called on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Minister for Sports, Mian Shamim Haider, President of Pakistan Olympic Association, Lt. Gen. (R) Arif Hasan and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.
President Musharraf said that sports generate healthy and constructive competition and can help in removing the growing divide amongst people and create love, unity, friendship and brotherhood. He lauded the role being played by the International Olympics Committee to encourage sports in the developing countries.
The President said that government is spending record funds to encourage sports in the country. He said Pakistan highly values the assistance and help provided by the IOC to Pakistan in this regard.
The President of IOC apprised the President of the role of IOC and said it is a non-profit NGO which is spending most of the funds to develop sports infrastructure in the developing world.
He said that IOC has a useful collaboration with Pakistan Olympics Association and will continue to extend its support in expanding and improving sports infrastructure in Pakistan.—Agencies