Pakistan RL Moves Step Closer
Published on: 7th February 2012
The establishment of Rugby League in Pakistan and South Asia has moved a step closer thanks to the efforts of former England RL international and British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) founder Ikram Butt together with officials from the British Asian Trust, diplomats and MP Greg Mulholland, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group.
The latest round of talks took place in January at the Pakistan High Commission in London with the major focus being on how to show continuing support for the Prince of Wales’ Pakistan Recovery Fund aimed at assisting with rebuilding the large parts of the country devastated by the 2010 flooding as well as launching the new Pakistan playing jersey.
Ikram explained: “We met at the Pakistan High Commission in London and talked about our support of the charity and the development of Pakistan Rugby League. We also discussed other objectives such as bridging the gap between British Pakistanis and Pakistanis living abroad.’’
“We view the development of Pakistan Rugby League as a catalyst to further develop the sport in India and across the whole of South Asia. There’s clearly an appetite for it and we need to ensure that the right initiatives and planning are put in place.’’
“We have a number of objectives with a second official Pakistan RL international planned for Dubai in the near future courtesy of our sponsor Air Blue. Watch this space!” said Ikram, recently awarded a Doctorate in Sport Science by Leeds Metropolitan University for his pioneering sport development initiatives within the UK and abroad.’’
Greg Mulholland added, “By focusing on sport, physical activity, education and cultural exchanges we can, together, create a more harmonious society and go some way to combating the dual threats of Islamophobia and fundamentalism.”
The High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, Wajid Shamsul Hasan lauded the efforts of Ikram and added '’We are proud of the efforts of Ikram and will continue to support him in his endeavors towards the development of rugby league in Pakistan.’'
The new official Pakistan RL playing shirt features the Pakistan Recovery Fund on the chest with the Leeds Rugby Foundation’s logo also included on the sleeve.
The Pakistan Recovery Fund, whose patron is HRH Prince of Wales, was set up in response to the ongoing humanitarian effort still required in Pakistan in wake of the 2010 floods and is convened by the British Asian Trust and managed on behalf of the Prince of Wales by Knighton White who campaign for philanthropic causes around the globe.
