PSB writes to PTF against ITA president’s third term

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has written a strongly-worded letter to the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) on the breach of laid down government’s directions that state that no official (at any level) can contest or get elected on the key posts for third term in office.

‘The News’ is in possession of the copy of letter, which stated that according to published reports, the Islamabad Tennis Association (ITA) President Tariq Murtaza has contested and was elected as president of the ITA for a third term in succession. It was clarified by the PSB that no one, even from the affiliated units of any federation, is eligible to contest elections for a third term in office.

The text of the letter is: “I am directed to refer to the election of Islamabad Tennis Association and a matter of serious concern that has been reported regarding re-election of Mr. Tariq Murtaza as the president of the Islamabad Tennis Association (ITA) for the third time which is a sheer violation of PTF’s regulations; Being an affiliated unit of the PTF, ITA is bound to follow the regulations set forth by the federation and no office-bearer is permitted to serve more than two consecutive terms. If the reported news is indeed accurate, it may indicate a violation of this regulation; the PTF is hereby advised to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter to ensure compliance with the established rules and regulations. It is essential to uphold the integrity and fairness of our tennis associations and to ensure that all members adhere to the prescribed guidelines.”

Meanwhile, PSB Director General Shoaib Khoso, when approached, said that no official at any level can contest or get elected on key posts for third term in succession. “This clause is part of the sports policy. No federation/sports official or its affiliated bodies’ officials can contest election for a third term in office.

“This is part of the sports policy and the letter written to the PTF is based on that policy. There is no successive third term for any sports official at any level,” he said. Khoso clarified that the PSB will have to intervene where it feels that the clauses of sports policy are being breached.