The interim government of Pakistan has taken decisive action to address concerns related to gambling, betting, and casino companies allegedly sponsoring teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and engaging in advertising through media outlets. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure the integrity of sports and prevent potentially harmful practices.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a statement, urging all stakeholders, including sports organizations like the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), media regulatory bodies like PEMRA, state-owned media entities like PTV and PBC, telecommunications authority (PTA), and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), to sever ties with these “surrogate companies.” These surrogate entities, with slightly modified names, are believed to be affiliated with larger gambling and betting organizations.
The government’s concern is not limited to the financial aspects of these arrangements. It raises alarm about the potential threats posed by such companies, which often have origins in hostile countries. These threats include undermining Pakistan’s moral values, introducing corruption into sports, and facilitating the illegal movement of money out of the country.
Additionally, the ministry highlighted that advertisements from these surrogate betting companies were prevalent on various media platforms within Pakistan, indicating a widespread presence and influence. The government’s call for a strict halt to these surrogate operations underscores its commitment to protecting the country’s integrity and moral principles while safeguarding the sports and media sectors from undue foreign influence.
