Fresh controversy as PSB forms EC, adjudicators’ panel

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s sports governance has been thrown into disarray once again as the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has unilaterally established an Election Commission and a Panel of Adjudicators -- directly violating the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Charter.

The IOC mandates that all affiliated sports bodies worldwide must conduct elections in alignment with its prescribed regulations. Sports federations in Pakistan, like their global counterparts, adhere to these principles, ensuring that elections follow constitutions approved by their respective international bodies.

However, despite repeated concerns and objections from the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), the federal government moved forward with its own Elections Commission, escalating tension between sports federations and the authorities.

According to an official PSB handout, the initiative aims to “enhance transparency and discipline in Pakistan’s sports sector.” The board claimed that the appointments were finalised after thorough deliberations in the 31st PSB Board Meeting held on December 4, 2024.

Renowned legal expert Advocate Zohaib Hassan Gondal has been appointed as the Election Commissioner for a three-year term.

Additionally, a Panel of Adjudicators, which will also serve as the Election Tribunal, has been constituted. The panel comprises high-profile figures including Senator Pervez Rashid, Islahuddin Siddiqui (Hockey Olympian), Manzoor-ul-Hasan (Hockey Olympian), Salman Iqbal Butt (Athletics Coach), MNA Amna Batool, Senator Rubina Irfan, Shakeel Durrani (former civil servant).

The PSB insisted that this “first-of-its-kind initiative” will bring accountability and order to the country’s sports sector. With Pakistan set to host the 14th South Asian Games, this unexpected development has triggered fresh concerns. The move could severely disrupt the already delicate balance in Pakistan’s sports administration, potentially hindering the country’s ability to host the Games smoothly.

Sources revealed that the POA has repeatedly written to both the PSB and the Ministry for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), warning against government interference in federations’ electoral processes.

The POA argues that no international sports body permits direct intervention from state authorities in their subordinate federations. A prime example is the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), which, like other federations, is unlikely to recognise a government-appointed election commission over its own executive committee or General Council.

The creation of this new Election Commission signals the formation of a parallel power structure within the PSB, inevitably leading to conflicts of interest. The direct oversight of elections by a government-backed commission could provoke resistance from independent federations, leading to legal battles and administrative deadlock.

As tensions escalate, Pakistan’s sports community faces an urgent dilemma -- will the government’s move lead to greater transparency, or is this a blatant overreach that threatens the country’s standing in the international sports arena? The coming weeks will determine whether this bold step strengthens governance or plunges Pakistan’s sports sector into deeper turmoil.