(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Sports Board Takes On Election Role for National Federations Amid Funding Dispute with PHF
LAHORE: In a significant development, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has stepped into a new role as the election commissioner for national sports federations. PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada confirmed that the move will be applied on a case-by-case basis, particularly where disputes or irregularities exist.
This shift was demonstrated on Friday at the National Sports and Coaching Centre, where the PSB conducted elections for the Tenpin Bowling, Alpine Club, and Bodybuilding federations. While candidates for the Tenpin Bowling and Alpine Club were elected unopposed, Tariq Hassan was voted in as President of the Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation.
The elections follow recent amendments to the PSB’s constitution, which now include provisions for overseeing federation elections. However, this decision has raised concerns due to its potential conflict with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Charter, which discourages government involvement in the affairs of national sports bodies.
Speaking to media representatives, Pirzada explained that the PSB’s role stems from a Supreme Court directive. He added that the board only steps in when necessary, such as in cases involving parallel bodies or procedural issues. Notably, PSB’s election commissioner Waseem Majid Malik attended last month’s Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) elections as an observer, rather than as an active participant.
Funding for PHF Under Review
Meanwhile, attention has turned to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) following Pakistan’s impressive win over France in the FIH Nations Cup semi-final. DG Pirzada shared that the PHF had received the support it requested, including airfare and baggage allowances for the team.
Despite the PHF’s claims that it lacks funds to cover players’ daily allowances, Pirzada stated that the federation had provided a written assurance of sufficient funding. According to a letter shared with the PSB, the PHF confirmed it had the required amount—USD 51,296—for accommodation and meals but requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to enable the foreign exchange transfer through official banking channels.
“The PHF has given us in writing that it maintains an account with Habib Bank Limited in Lahore with sufficient funds. The request was solely for an NOC due to remittance restrictions under State Bank of Pakistan policies,” Pirzada said.
However, sources have indicated that the PHF later asked the PSB to release the same amount as a direct payment, prompting the PSB to pause further funding. The board has now made it clear that no new grants will be released until the PHF submits audit reports for the funds disbursed over the last two years.
According to internal records, the PSB has provided the PHF with grants totaling Rs119.667 million during that period.
