British Esports helps Pakistan approve its first national esports policy while Commonwealth Games gather in Glasgow

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 23/07/2026

British Esports, among many other bodies attended the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Glasgow earlier this week. The organisations met various national federations and countries as part of ongoing efforts to develop esports infrastructure across the Commonwealth, along with other sports. The timing is quite nice, as the British Esports organisation confirms its working with Pakistan to help outline its first national esports policy moving forward.

The 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting took place on July 22nd and today in Glasgow, on the eve of the 23rd Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. The meetup brings together sports ministers, senior officials and sporting partners from across all 56 Commonwealth member countries. The meeting concluded with the adoption of an outcome statement reaffirming ministers’ shared commitment to leveraging sport to promote inclusion, sustainable development and stronger cooperation across the Commonwealth.

While the main commonwealth game speeches, manifestos and message didn’t directly reference esports, there is some work in the background.

The organisation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Youth Programme in summer 2025, with the express aim of helping the country develop a national esports framework. Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet officially approved the policy this week.

The approved policy aims to oversee the regulation and growth of Pakistan’s esports ecosystem, including the launch of esports training programmes, academies and digital gaming arenas across the country. A Pakistan Esports Federation is also set to be established within the next two months.

Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, said:

“With an estimated 50 to 60 million young people engaged in esports across Pakistan, dedicated esports arenas and game development centres will be established nationwide to nurture talent and promote the digital gaming industry. Global champions such as Arslan Ash are a testament to Pakistan’s immense potential in this field.”

Pakistan has had some star players over the years, even without government support. Syed Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan  is the only Pakistani player to win the TI in Dota 2, at the time it was life changing money for all involved. Pakistan also features very heavily in mobile esports, like PUBG and its mobile versions.

Initiatives like that could help esports, with the Commonwealth game u-turning on esports side after its 2022 event. If more nations get national policies, perhaps it can make a comeback in 2030. British Esports is also expected to open its British Arena and facilities venue in Sunderland later this summer.

Image credit: PHC London

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Craig began his career with Esports News UK back in 2015/2016, looking to write about a passion while studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. He stayed there for several years before moving on to other websites to begin his career after graduating. Now he's back, covering esports adjacent topics and UK stories.

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