JI announces Karachi Olympics 2026

Karachi: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Wednesday announced that it will organise the “Karachi Olympics 2026” in the city from January 21 to February 1, 2026.

Addressing a news conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq, JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan said the sports competitions will be held at both union council and town levels with the aim of highlighting Karachi as a sports city.

He said the event will feature competitions in cricket, football, table tennis, cycling, tug of war and other sports. Registration for the Karachi Olympics will begin on Thursday (January 8) and will remain open from 6pm to 11pm at designated centres, while online registration will be available round the clock.

Monem Zafar Khan said the initiative aims to provide a positive platform for youth, promote sportsmanship and bring hidden talent to the forefront. He described the event as a milestone in encouraging young people to engage in healthy activities.

“Providing a positive platform, highlighting hidden talent and promoting sportsman spirit among youth is our objective,” he said.

He added that if Jamaat-e-Islami can organise such an event while sitting in the opposition, the government should also be able to take similar initiatives.

The JI leader also strongly criticised the Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan (MQM), blaming it for the destruction of Karachi. He alleged that MQM was “playing on both sides of the wicket” through political blackmail.