British Esports works with Pakistan on local esports policy
28 July 2026
Very recently, on Wednesday July 22nd, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth Sport and the Scottish Government organised the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (12CSMM) in Glasgow, Scotland. That is a lot of Commonwealth, we know, and you might ask yourself why this matters to esports in the UK. The reason we are writing about it today is that, among other topics, the organizers focused on the development of esports infrastructure across the Commonwealth. During the event, for example, British Esports confirmed that they are currently working with the Pakistani government to develop its first national esports policy.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The announcement during 12CSSM is not a complete surprise as British Esports, together with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, had already signed a so-called Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) back in the summer of 2025. The goal of that MOU was to formalise the goal of helping Pakistan develop its own national framework for esports. The new policy was finally and officially approved by Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet last week, right around the time the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meetings took place in Glasgow.
“The 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting takes place today in Glasgow, bringing together leaders from across the Commonwealth to explore how sport can create healthier, fairer and more inclusive communities”, British Esports recently wrote on their own X account, “British Esports is proud to be part of the conversation, sharing how esports can drive education, digital skills and opportunities for young people around the world. Our attendance comes as Pakistan approves its first national esports policy, developed with support from British Esports and the Commonwealth Secretariat, highlighting the growing recognition of esports as a force for positive change across the Commonwealth.”
Develop Pakistani talent
One advantage for the plans in Pakistan is that the country is definitely not starting from zero. Even without consistent government support, the country brought forth a few impressive esports talents in the past years. Back in 2015, for example, Syed Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan was part of Evil Geniuses as the Seattle-based organisation won The International 2015, which is widely regarded as the annual Dota 2 world championship. With the help of British Esports, Pakistan wants to produce much more top-level esports talent.
“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”, says Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, “Global champions such as Arslan Ash are a testament to Pakistan’s immense potential in this field.”
Regulation, training and infrastructure
Together with British Esports and the Commonwealth Secretariat, Pakistan aims to become a regional and ultimately global esports powerhouse. The policy that is currently being developed aims to oversee the regulation and growth of Pakistan’s esports ecosystem. This includes the launch of custom esports training programmes, academies and digital gaming areas across the country, as well as the foundation of a Pakistan Esports Federation.