[5][6] The construction of the multi-purpose stadium started in 1999 aimed to host the National Games of Pakistan.

The Government of Punjab gave Rs 110 million for the project to the Lahore Development Authority before the start of the work.

[18] Eight days later, it hosted the second leg of the Pakistan under-23 team during the Olympic football Asian qualifiers against Malaysia, which ended 0-0.

[19] Four months later, on 3 July 2011, it hosted the second leg of Pakistan's World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh, which ended in a goalless draw.

After years of inactivity due to the ban on Pakistan Football Federation by FIFA, and after 11 years since Pakistan ever held an international football event, the stadium was considered as one of the potential venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification on 17 October 2023.