ISLAMABAD: The head coach of Pakistan’s men’s national football team, Stephen Constantine, declared on Saturday his squad will face Jordan with resolve in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Islamabad next week, indicating a robust approach against their adversaries.
Football in Pakistan, while not as widely played or followed as cricket, has a growing base of enthusiasts passionate about the game. Efforts are underway to bolster the national team’s performance and presence on the international stage, aiming to elevate Pakistan’s status in global football tournaments and nurture homegrown talent.
Speaking to the media in Lahore on Saturday, Constantine outlined the team’s mindset and strategic focus ahead of their encounter with Jordan, one of Asia’s top football teams, on March 21 at the Jinnah Stadium Islamabad.
“It’s difficult obviously for Pakistan to play World Cup Qualifiers and face adamant opponents, who are football giants in Asia,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Pakistan’s Football Federation. “We have very little time to prepare for such a big game. And unfortunately, we are going to play one of the best teams [Jordan] in Asia on 21st March.”
However, he added: “We will fight against Jordan and not lay down.”
Responding to a query regarding whether the Pakistan team is going to play this FIFA World Cup 2026, Constantine said: “No, we are not going to play this World Cup and maybe not the next World Cup as well. I am trying to prepare the team for the Asian Cup Qualifiers and the SAFF Championship.”
As the national team intensifies its preparations, he revealed that diaspora players were expected to join the training camp soon, adding strength to the squad.
“A proper and professional football league is the most important thing here in Pakistan,” he continued. “You cannot produce a player without a league.”
Constantine highlighted the tough competition within their qualifying group, which includes heavyweights like Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tajikistan.
However, he said it was an opportunity for the Pakistani squad to gain valuable experience and exposure that would benefit them in the long run.
Pakistan football coach vows resolute approach for next week’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Jordan
https://arab.news/p2gxc
Pakistan football coach vows resolute approach for next week’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Jordan
- Stephen Constantine says he is preparing the team for the Asian Cup Qualifiers and the SAFF Championship
- Pakistan faced tough competition within their qualifying group, which includes Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tajikistan
ADB approves $381 million for climate-resilient agriculture, social services in Punjab
- Support will upgrade Punjab’s education and nursing systems, improving learning outcomes and health care capacity
- Package includes $124 million for agriculture, $107 million for STEM schooling and $150 million for nursing reforms
KARACHI: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Saturday it approved $381 million in financing for Pakistan’s Punjab province to modernize agriculture and strengthen education and health services, with a major focus on building climate resilience after monsoon floods this year caused widespread destruction across the country’s most populous province.
The package includes concessional loans and grants for farm mechanization, STEM education, and nursing sector reforms.
ADB said the investments are intended to help Punjab, home to more than half of Pakistan’s population and a key contributor to its economy, recover from climate shocks and transition toward more sustainable and resilient development.
“Investing in education, health, and agricultural mechanization will play a transformative role in driving the growth of Punjab, a vital pillar of Pakistan’s economy,” said ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan. “These strategic investments will modernize agriculture, enhance human capital, and significantly improve livelihoods for millions of people across Punjab.”
The bank approved $120 million in concessional loans and a $4 million grant for the Punjab Climate-Resilient and Low-Carbon Agriculture Mechanization Project, which will support 220,000 rural farm households.
The program aims to reduce climate vulnerability by shifting farmers toward modern, low-emission machinery, provide alternative livelihoods for agricultural workers and train 15,000 women in new skills. It will also introduce a financing model to help small farmers access advanced equipment.
Punjab produces most of Pakistan’s wheat, rice, and maize but still relies on outdated machinery, contributing to grain losses and routine burning of crop residues, a major source of air pollution, said ADB.
It noted the new project will promote modern mechanization, including rice harvesters, to address these issues.
ADB also approved $107 million for the Responsive, Ready, and Resilient STEM Secondary Education in Punjab Program, including a $7 million grant from the Asian Development Fund.
The results-based program aims to modernize secondary schooling by expanding inclusive STEM education, improving access and quality across the province.
A further $150 million concessional loan was approved for the Punjab Nursing and Health Workforce Reform Program, which will upgrade nursing curricula, develop disaster-resilient training facilities, strengthen workforce governance, and introduce digital human-resource systems.
The program seeks to expand the pool of qualified nurses to strengthen health service delivery and meet rising national and global demand.
Key components include the establishment of three centers of excellence in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, equipped with simulation labs, digital learning platforms, and gender-responsive hostels.
ADB said it remains committed to supporting climate-resilient and inclusive development across Asia and the Pacific through innovative financing tools and partnerships.
