Pakistan’s football body backs Saudi Arabia’s bid to host World Cup 2034

A fan waves a flag bearing the image of Brazil's forward Neymar during his unveling at at Al-Hilal in Riyadh's King Fahd International Stadium on August 19, 2023. (AFP/File)
Short Url
Updated 08 October 2023
Follow

Pakistan’s football body backs Saudi Arabia’s bid to host World Cup 2034

  • Saudi Football Federation announced its intention to bid for World Cup 2034 hosting rights earlier this week 
  • Pakistan’s football body says Saudi Arabia can deliver ‘a World Cup experience of unmatched excellence’ 

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) this week announced its “unwavering support” to Saudi Arabia in its bid to host the football World Cup 2034, a statement from the body said. 

The Saudi Football Federation announced its intention to bid for the hosting rights of the world’s most prestigious sporting event earlier this week.

It cited inspiration from the kingdom’s ongoing social and economic transformation, as well as its deep-rooted passion for football, which has gained additional momentum with the recent signings of international football stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, by several local clubs.

“In a momentous declaration of solidarity, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) proudly announces its unreserved endorsement of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious bid to host the prestigious 2034 FIFA World Cup,” the PFF said in a statement on Friday.

“This unwavering show of support underscores the PFF’s profound belief in Saudi Arabia’s capacity to orchestrate an unparalleled global football extravaganza,” the PFF said, adding that the event would transcend borders and help unite nations. 

PFF said Saudi Arabia was a nation that had a rich cultural heritage and a steadfast commitment to football, adding that it believed the kingdom could deliver “a World Cup experience of unmatched excellence.” 

“The Saudi Arabian bid promises to not only uphold the tournament’s storied legacy but also elevate it to unprecedented heights, captivating the hearts and minds of millions of fans worldwide,” the football body said. 

Last year, Qatar became the first Middle Eastern country to host the FIFA World Cup which attracted sports enthusiasts from across the world.


Pakistan says repaid over $13.06 billion domestic debt early in last 14 months

Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan says repaid over $13.06 billion domestic debt early in last 14 months

  • Finance adviser says repayment shows “decisive shift” toward fiscal discipline, responsible economic management
  • Says Pakistan’s total public debt has declined from over $286.6 billion in June 2025 to $284.7 billion in November 2025

KARACHI: Pakistan has repaid Rs3,650 billion [$13.06 billion] in domestic debt before time during the last 14 months, Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad said on Thursday, adding that the achievement reflected a shift in the country’s approach toward fiscal discipline. 

Schehzad said Pakistan has been repaying its debt before maturity, owed to the market as well as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), since December 2024. He said the government had repaid the central bank Rs300 billion [$1.08 billion] in its latest repayment on Thursday. 

“This landmark achievement reflects a decisive shift toward fiscal discipline, credibility, and responsible economic management,” Schehzad wrote on social media platform X. 

Giving a breakdown of what he said was Pakistan’s “early debt retirement journey,” the finance official said Pakistan retired Rs1,000 billion [$3.576 billion] in December 2024, Rs500 billion [$1.78 billion] in June 2025, Rs1,160 billion [$4.150 billion] in August 2025, Rs200 billion [$715 million] in October 2025, Rs494 billion [$1.76 billion] in December 2025 and $1.08 billion in January 2026. 

He said with the latest debt repaid today, the July to January period of fiscal year 2026 alone recorded Rs2,150 billion [$7.69 billion] in early retirement, which was 44 percent higher than the debt retired in FY25.

He said of the total early repayments, the government has repaid 65 percent of the central bank’s debt, 30 percent of the treasury bills debt and five percent of the Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) debt. 

The official said Pakistan’s total public debt has declined from over Rs 80.5 trillion [$286.6 billion] in June 2025 to Rs80 trillion [$284.7 billion] in November 2025. 

“Crucially, Pakistan’s debt-to-GDP ratio, around 74 percent in FY22, has declined to around 70 percent, reflecting a broader strengthening of fiscal fundamentals alongside disciplined debt management,” Schehzad wrote. 

Pakistan’s government has said the country’s fragile economy is on an upward trajectory. The South Asian country has been trying to navigate a tricky path to economic recovery under a $7 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.