ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met football player Muhammad Riaz and offered him financial support worth Rs 2.5 million along with an employment opportunity.
Riaz, who hails from KP’s Hangu district, went viral on social media after his video selling funnel cakes (Jalebi) surfaced online.
After the issue was highlighted, the premier invited him to the PM House and praised his courage and determination as a football player, state-run APP reported.
“You are the country’s talented player, and we will not let your talent go to waste,” the prime minister told the football player.
The prime minister directed that Muhammad Riaz be given a job in his preferred federal department. He also instructed that national players should be provided jobs in government institutions according to their abilities.
On the occasion, the prime minister presented a cheque worth Rs 2.5 million to Muhammad Riaz.
He said Pakistani youth were a valuable asset to the country, and providing them with all types of facilities and resources for international competitiveness was the top priority of the government.
“Youth should actively participate in sports and other healthy activities,” he remarked.
PM Shehbaz urged Muhammad Riaz to continue playing and play an active role in promoting football in Pakistan.
“A strategy should be formulated for the welfare of players representing Pakistan internationally and to provide them with sustainable employment opportunities,” he said.
Riaz thanked the prime minister for the financial assistance and praised PM Shehbaz for his efforts towards the welfare of the players and the promotion of sports.