The Hunt is On: New Coach Nolberto Solano’s Search for Pakistan’s Next Stars Begins.

For football fans in Pakistan who have waited years for a sign of life, a glimmer of hope is finally on the horizon. The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is gearing up to relaunch domestic football, starting with its premier knockout tournament, the National Challenge Cup, this October.

According to sources within the federation, the plan is to hold the tournament in Multan between October 15 and 30. It’s a tight window, but a necessary one.

The reason for the rush is the national team’s packed international schedule. They are set to play critical qualifying matches against Afghanistan on October 9 and 14, followed by a huge game against Syria in Islamabad on November 18. The Challenge Cup has been carefully squeezed in right after the Afghanistan games to avoid any clashes.

But the real story isn’t just the tournament itself; it’s about who might show up to play. WAPDA are the defending champions, but the big question on everyone’s mind is whether the legendary departmental teams will make a comeback. For years, powerhouses like PIA, K-Electric, and National Bank have been absent due to the administrative chaos that crippled Pakistani football.

There’s reason to be optimistic. The Prime Minister’s office has reportedly urged these institutions to revive their sports teams. If they return to the field alongside regulars like WAPDA and KRL, it could be the start of a truly competitive domestic scene after years of stagnation.

This tournament is more than just a trophy. It’s a critical chance for the new PFF leadership to prove they can bring stability back to the sport after a disastrous decade of infighting and FIFA bans. It’s also a golden opportunity for the national team’s new head coach, Nolberto Solano, to scout for fresh, homegrown talent for future international games.

With plans to also bring back the top-tier Pakistan Premier League soon, this October’s Challenge Cup feels like a crucial first step. It could be the moment that finally marks a fresh start for the beautiful game in Pakistan.