Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Saturday announced that Pakistan will host the South Asian Games next year following a meeting of the steering committee formed to oversee preparations.

The meeting, chaired by DPM Dar, finalised the dates of the games in coordination with the South Asian Olympic Committee (SAOC). The government also approved the appointment of a national coordinator and the composition of the steering, organising and provincial committees.

A total of 28 sports will be contested during the South Asian Games - set to be held from April 4 to 11 - with more than 6,000 athletes and officials expected to participate. Events will be held across Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The deputy prime minister directed all relevant authorities to maintain close coordination and ensure the timely completion of sports venues and other preparations. He stressed the need to uphold the highest standards to ensure the successful hosting of the regional sporting event.