PSB Orders New Elections for Athletics Federation

ISLAMABAD: Tensions between the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) have deepened following a dispute involving Arshad Nadeem’s coach, Salman Butt. This time, the PSB has moved to reset the federation’s leadership, directing fresh elections amid allegations of constitutional violations.

The order was issued on Tuesday after Tariq Sidhu, president of the National Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO), lodged a formal complaint. Sidhu alleged that the AFP bypassed mandatory election procedures during its general council meeting on December 31, 2024 — a session that saw Wajahat Hussain Sahi named president, Shahida Khanum appointed senior vice president, and Humaira Mehmood Khan installed as vice president.

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According to the petition, these appointments were made “without elections,” contravening the federation’s constitution. Sidhu further argued that essential protocols — including the issuance of notices and circulation of meeting minutes — were ignored, amounting to a breach of the PSB’s 2022 Constitution and the national sports governance code.

After reviewing the matter, the PSB Adjudicator ordered the AFP to conduct “fresh, transparent, and lawful elections” for the contested positions. Until then, the current office-bearers have been restricted to routine administrative functions. They are barred from making significant financial or policy decisions, including disciplinary actions and team selections.

PSB’s intervention underscores the fragile state of Pakistan Athletics Federation’s governance. For the media, the challenge now extends beyond internal politics: it must restore credibility at a time when the nation’s athletes are preparing for a demanding international calendar. The outcome of these elections will determine whether the federation can stabilize its leadership and refocus on performance rather than controversy.