As Qatar is set to host visitors from all across the world for the FIFA World Cup 2022, members of the Pakistani community have extended their full support to make the mega event a grand success. Although Pakistan’s national football team is not a part of the mega event, Pakistan-made Adidas footballs will shine in the matches. Excerpts of what the Pakistani community members have to saycColor:>
Dr Sohaib Arshad
With only a few days to go for the first kick-off, football fever has gripped the whole country. It is a matter of pride for us that this year’s FIFA World Cup will be played using the Al Rihla official football like the ‘Tel Star 18’ in 2018 and the ‘Brazuca’ in 2014. Moreover, Pakistanis have been selected in huge numbers to serve as volunteers. Pakistani security forces have also been tasked with providing security services.
Muznah Hasnat
We are happy that Qatar has provided us the wonderful opportunity of witnessing an international event being organised in the Middle East for the first time. The country has completely changed its outlook to welcome football fans.
Asif Khan
The event inspires a huge sense of pride for the Muslim World. Qatar has utilised its utmost resources to give an extremely and unique experience to fans coming here from around the world. Qatar has built modern and high-tech stadiums. Excellent security arrangements are in place and above all, great hospitality awaits international fans visiting Qatar.
Sarfaraz Jahangir
We will soon be witnessing the world’s largest sport event proudly hosted by Qatar. The country has made extensive arrangements with huge investments in stadiums, roads, infrastructure, healthcare facilities, logistics and transportation. World-class entertainment facilities with the presence of celebrities will add colour to the event.
Salman Shaban
Pakistan will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in multiple value-added ways. From the supply of Pakistani-made Adidas footballs named ‘Al Rihla’ to the large numbers of volunteers from the Pakistani community, and the Pakistani security forces to promote safety in the FIFA stadiums and fan zones.
Shehla Khalid Khan
Congratulations to Qatar on organising the biggest and most popular sporting event of the world. The country is fully geared to display football passion and hospitality. We warmly welcome all the teams, fans and visitors to Qatar. This will be an opportunity for fans and visitors to meet and live together in peace and harmony. Let’s enjoy football.
Dr Shaukat Chandna
Every country in the world, not only football-playing ones, is contributing in some form or other to make this the ‘best-ever’ sporting extravaganza of our times and life. Pakistan has contributed in a very significant manner by crafting the finest footballs with machines and hands. Smile everyone, enjoy the experience of a lifetime and have fun!
Abeeha Sohaib
Qatar would mark its name as the first Arab country to host this grand event, which is a matter of pride for all Pakistani students currently studying and residing in Qatar. We are grateful to have the opportunity to contribute towards the success of the FIFA World Cup in many ways, be it internships and volunteer programs for the event or our quality footballs made in Sialkot.
Salman Ismail
As if a giant is awakened, the hustling city of Doha roars ‘hayya hayya’ as the country prepares for the mega event. I wish Qatar every success in hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 and many more in future. This is a great opportunity for Qatar to present its values and culture to the world.
Adnan Sami Khan
I am excited to have witnessed the new environment in Qatar. It is a mega event and a great opportunity for Qatar to present its rich culture to people from across the world. As a sportsman, I believe this event will reduce the distances between nations and will be remembered as an incredible landmark in the history of the game.
Adnan Khan
As an expatriate living in Qatar, we all have a responsibility and shared goal of making this World Cup memorable for everyone who comes here to witness this extraordinary event. I am also very excited to work as a volunteer in this World Cup and make a small contribution to this mega event. On behalf of all the expatriates living in Qatar, I want to assure all the football nations playing in this World Cup a very exciting and enjoyable time here.
Adeel Akbar
Like other residents of Qatar, I consider myself fortunate to have this lifetime opportunity to witness a mega event. My friends all over the world are amazed when I share with them the pictures of different venues — the state-of-the art stadiums, concert halls, airports, the world-class infrastructure. Although, no Pakistani football squad has ever been a part of such high-level event, our country is well represented in almost every major football event in the world with footballs made in Pakistan.
Dr Muhammad Zaka Ul Haq
FIFA World Cup in Qatar is a dream coming true, thanks to the persistent efforts of Qatar in building the necessary infrastructure and other operative logistics. We back Qatar football team and hope they will be a strong contender for the trophy. Pakistan-made footballs flying in every nook and corner of the arena and broadcast throughout the world for millions of fans will actually leave us with a feeling that every single Pakistani is participating in this mega event.
Ajmal Chaudhary
It’s an honour and pride for me to be a part of this historical mega event. Heartiest congratulations to the Qatari government on hosting the world’s biggest sports event. The Pakistani community extends its full support and will be at the forefront of welcoming and hosting international fans.
Mahmood Ahmed
The time has come to see the fruits of Qatar’s efforts to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Qatar’s hard work and efforts in uniting the global community and organising this event are highly commendable. As a proud resident of Qatar, and as a Pakistani, I feel great pride to know that Pakistani-made Adidas footballs will be part of Qatar’s historical legacy during the World Cup. I am confident that this event will be written in golden words in the history of FIFA..
Dr Tanzeeh Adeeb
Hayya, hayya, hayya’ is the sound to cheer everyone up at the moment in Qatar. Once again, football is at its best to unite different nations under one umbrella. Being a resident of Qatar, it is a unique experience to be a part of the mega event at your doorstep and memories to make for the coming years. I cannot wait until the trumpet blows to comemnce the magic.
Warda Rana
The official match football for the upcoming FIFA World Cup has been produced in Pakistan, making it the country’s significant contribution to the mega soccer event. Pakistan has been the official makers of match-ball since 1982. The official match ball, Al-Rihla, incorporates the culture of Qatar boats, the flag, and the architecture of Qatar.
Jamshaid Shahzad Bajwa
I feel privileged to talk about an event for which footballs have been made in Sialkot where I belong to. The city is known for manufacturing sports, leather and surgical goods. I was born and brought up in Qatar and it feels so good that Qataris and residents are hosting FIFA World Cup. I am part of the Volunteers Programme.
Jamshaid Iqbal Bhatti
The proudest thing about this event is that it is taking place in Qatar where I have been living for five decades. As a resident, this country has benefited us in numerous ways and this is our desire to serve the nation back in whatever way possible. I would like to wish Qatar’s national team the best of luck..
Saman Jamshid
With only a few days to go before the first kick-off, the football fever is upon us all. Being a Pakistani, I am proud that Pakistan is represented at nearly every major soccer game in the world. We are all set to welcome international fans with a lot of events happening in the town. Qatar has prepared a wide range of food arenas, parks, beaches, hotels, cafes and much more to serve the very best to fans.
Asad Khalid Qureshi
The year I landed in Qatar in 2011 was the year the country was awarded with the honour of hosting the FIFA World Cup. I have lived through all the preparations, changes and development the country has gone through and, as a resident, I am so proud at the strength and persistence that Qatar has shown against all odds. I am sure the world is about to witness a grand and very successful World Cup like never before.
Baber Malik
Finally, the time has come, something we have been waiting for almost a decade. It will be a wonderful event as Qatar opens its doors to football fans from across the globe. The role of the Pakistani community in organising this mega event is noteworthy as they have contributed in many ways – from engineering to F&B and from hospitality to event management, our representation is everywhere. Pakistan will be represented in every match whereby the football used in all matches will be from Pakistan.
Abu Baker Majeed
Pakistanis in Qatar are playing their part with pride to support an event which will make history. With the nation’s final preparations in full swing to hold the greatest sporting event on the planet, it is important to highlight those who have played their part in making this possible. Whether it is the manufacture of the glorious Al Rihla official football, participation of interns and volunteers ensuring smooth operations, Pakistan’s representation is quite evident.
Samreen Nadeem Samr
It is a privilege to be able to partake in activities surrounding the tournament. My personal support stands with the Qatari football team. Pakistan may not be a part of the tournament as a team but its contribution will be visible in the shape of Adidas footballs. .
Khalid Sajjad Bhatti
The Pakistani community is blessed to live in a country which promotes a diversity of cultures and traditions. Despite being so rich in culture, Qatar has managed to maintain its Islamic traditions. Although our national team is not a part of this event, we have managed to show up in different ways like provision of security services and Pakistan-made footballs.
Dr Ali Malik
The FIFA World Cup 2022 is an exciting opportunity for Qatar and its residents. The mega event’s socio-cultural, economic and international benefits are far greater than one can imagine. The event will open the door of future opportunities and Qatar will emerge a sporting hub in the region. I will be cheering on England to go for glory.
Muhammad Idrees
It’s a great feeling to be a resident of Qatar where the FIFA World Cup is being held. As a British-Pakistani, my happiness is two-fold. On one hand, England team is participating in the mega event and on the other hand, Pakistan-made Adidas football will be used. I am honoured to be volunteering as a spectators’ team leader at Khalifa International Stadium.