Islamabad, May 21, 2026: Renowned tennis organizer, environmentalist, and Chairperson of Subh-e-Nau, Mrs. Shahida Kausar Farooq, has welcomed Pakistan’s upcoming hosting of the Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup for the first time in October this year, calling it a “historic milestone” for women’s sports and the country’s tennis community.
She praised Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President and former Davis Cup player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi for his efforts in reviving international tennis in Pakistan, saying the development reflects the federation’s strong commitment and will significantly help promote the sport nationwide.
Mrs. Farooq said hosting the BJK Cup would project a positive and progressive image of Pakistan internationally, while also giving local women players a valuable opportunity to compete at a high level on home ground.
She added that it was encouraging to see women’s tennis receiving increasing recognition in the country, noting that the event would boost female participation in sports and inspire young girls to pursue tennis professionally.
Announcing future plans, she said Subh-e-Nau would organize a national-level tennis event ahead of the BJK Cup in October to help local players gain competitive practice and prepare for the international competition.
She recalled that Subh-e-Nau has long been a pioneer in promoting women’s tennis in Pakistan, consistently organizing and supporting women-focused tennis initiatives over the years. “We have always believed that empowering women through sports is essential for building a healthy and progressive society,” she said.
Mrs. Farooq further noted that the organization has also supported international junior tennis championships in collaboration with the Pakistan Tennis Federation, contributing to the development of young talent and strengthening grassroots tennis in the country.
She expressed hope that the successful staging of the Billie Jean King Cup would open new avenues for Pakistani women athletes, improve their international exposure and rankings, and further enhance Pakistan’s reputation as a host of international sporting events.
