IHC Suspends Lifetime Ban on Former Boxing Federation Officials, Refers Case to PSB Adjudicators

PSB Commits to Impartial Adjudication, Assures Full Implementation of Panel’s Decision

By DTD- On Jun 25, 2025

Islamabad — In a significant development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended the Pakistan Sports Board’s (PSB) notification imposing lifetime bans and a Rs. 1 million penalty on former President of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF), Mr. Muhammad Khalid Mahmood, and former Secretary General, Lt. Col. (R) Muhammad Nasir Ijaz.

The ruling, issued by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, refers the matter to the Panel of Adjudicators constituted under Clause 23 of the PSB Constitution. The Court held that since an effective appellate mechanism is available under PSB rules, the filing of a writ petition at this stage was premature. The writ was therefore converted into a grievance petition and deemed pending before the adjudication panel.

The decision comes in the wake of a controversial incident during a boxing tournament in Italy in February 2024. PN boxer Zohaib Rasheed was accused of unlawfully entering the hotel room of UK-born Pakistani boxer Ms. Laura Akram, stealing cash and his own passport, and then fleeing the scene. In response, the PSB had held the senior PBF officials accountable and issued disciplinary sanctions in a notification dated September 27, 2024.

During the court hearing, petitioners’ counsels Mr. Asad Javed Advocate and Mr. Syed Hassan Ali Raza Advocate argued against the sanctions, while PSB’s Legal Advisor, Mr. Saif ur Rehman Rao, maintained that an adequate appellate mechanism existed and should be utilized.

The PSB assured the Court that the decision of the Panel of Adjudicators would be fully respected and implemented, regardless of the outcome. The Board also committed to ensuring impartiality by excluding all members of the original inquiry committee from the adjudication process.

Justice Tahir refrained from commenting on the merits of the case but ordered that the lifetime ban and penalty remain suspended until the panel issues a final decision. The Court emphasized the importance of fair hearing and due process, directing that the matter be resolved strictly in accordance with the law.

The ruling marks a key moment in the ongoing controversy surrounding the PBF and reinforces the role of institutional appellate mechanisms in Pakistan’s sports governance.