When will Pakistan see their first ever GM?

I don't know about you guys but I personally feel disappointed seeing that Pakistan has no GMs and the top player is an IM. When do you guys think Pakistan will see its first ever GM and who will it be? 

I feel like we have so much untapped potential in Pakistan—tons of young, passionate players grinding online, competing in local tournaments, and studying seriously. The talent is here, but maybe the opportunities and infrastructure aren't. Chess just isn't getting the same level of support or recognition as cricket or other major sports in the country.

It's honestly inspiring to see some underrated players pushing boundaries despite these limitations. Players like IM Mahmood Lodhi, who has held the top spot for years, have paved the way for us. But I do wonder: who will be the one to break through and finally bring the GM title to Pakistan?

Will it be a prodigy who emerges out of nowhere with international exposure? Or someone already climbing the ranks slowly but surely? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you guys know any rising stars in the local scene who might have that potential?

I personally think Mehmood Lodhi’s student, Ahsan Saleem, has real GM potential. His online games show sharp calculation and mature positional understanding for someone his age. If he keeps progressing and gets the right international exposure and support, I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes Pakistan’s first GM.

Also, what do you think Pakistan needs to start producing more titled players—especially GMs? Is it better coaching? Sponsorships? More FIDE-rated events?

Looking forward to everyone’s opinions. Let's talk about the future of chess in Pakistan. ♟️🇵🇰

Maybe in 2075

Maybe in ³3 years

What kind of infrastructure is needed for chess? Just some chessboards and organizing games regularly are required. There are no chess games played in colleges, schools. Even universities held very few such competitions, and no one cares.

chess is not a good game it just wastes time... only top players like super GMs are able to earn from it... there is no need to be inspired from india in this 😂 it was invented by them... where as other games like football/cricket are far more beneficial for mind then chess

Honestly just a simple institute based around chess schooling (be it online or IRL) would go a long way for the ones who have an interest in the game.

I think for some time now the chess federation was focusing more on older people playing chess, Some of the best players I've played are as old as Pakistan, but now I believe that they will bring the focus to the younger generation and we might get a grandmaster sooner then you think

It will be hard for anyone to become GM because how will they be trained? Most people don't want to train Pakistanis

The resources that are needed aren't available here but still I think there might be a GM in like 10 15 years cuz even top players like Levy Rozman couldn't be GM. That shows how much determination is required

Does no one ever hear of Mir Sultan Khan???????????????? He is given an honourary GM title in Feb 2024............. He is pakistani!!!! Gotham chess made a video about him 4 years ago

Also I have started a discord server for teaching chess. I will be making a youtube channel too. If you wish you can join or maybe you can help me teach

ofcourse he is the only one but it is a honourary title basically it was awarded to him without him passing the criteria and getting norms. here we are talking about real title acheived in life by getting norms well there will be one maybe in next 4 to 5 years i have also set it as a goal but it is just a side quest cause i dont want to take chess as a profession

Well many dream of it. But I'm taking it to next level. My goal is reaching 2800 elo on chess.com. Maybe one day.

cAn you share the link of your discord server where you teach. I am currently 1260 elo.

Yes but he retired before pakistan even existed and it's been a long time since then and we still haven't gotten any GM's only two IM's and sadly one has passed away.

Ahsan feroz he is a very good player 1900 fide classical and a kid

TO be honest . This Behaviour is Really with every other sports within Pakistan except Cricket .

maybe pakistan will have a GM but there is a kind of major obstacle it is that some people believe chess is haram (not saying they are wrong but not saying they are right but it can be said that they might be wrong) another issue was that chess doesnt have enough money and only top 30 gms of world can make a living out of it but s according to my opinion this issue will fade away slwoly as more people will get intersested like what if especially paksitan also has SGMs and paistan vs india kind of situation you know but tbh that aint happening but still there are lots of other ways to make money from chess like courses streaming etc

Ijlal Amer could become an IM

Bro you're the youngest AFM in Pakistan, you might become IM Abu Bakar Sattar is an AFM and he drew Levy Rozman.