ITA says PTF elections held in violation of sports policy

KARACHI: Islamabad Tennis Association has termed the elections of Pakistan Tennis Federation illegal as they were held in violation of the national sports policy. In response to PTF’s objections to the elections of ITA, President ITA Tariq Murtaza sent a letter to President PTF

Aisam ul Haq and mentioned that the federation’s recently held elections were illegal. “Pakistan Sports Board had issued a letter to Pakistan Tennis Federation [directing] not to hold the elections in light of Islamabad High Court’s decision.

“[Thus], the elections of PTF are in violation of the sports policy of Pakistan and held without the permission of Pakistan Sports Board which is a serious violation and can be challenged in a court of law,” stated Tariq.

Earlier, Asghar Nawaz, who contested the elections for PTF president slot, wrote a letter to Secretary PTF Gul Rehman and showed his concerns over the dubious proceedings of the PTF elections.

He stated: “In the absence of any comprehensive SOP for election process in PTF, the responsibility rested on Secretary PTF for smooth conduct of elections but failure occurred on a number of accounts i.e. scrutiny of nominated candidates and voters, non-reporting of default of payment status of ILTC and failure to ensure presence of the representative of POA at the meeting room at the outset of the elections.”

Asghar further pointed out that Zia ud Din (the candidate for the secretary’s position) raised three observations which were considered as violations of PTF constitution.

“Thus, the eligibility of International Lawn Tennis Club to cast vote in the elections was questioned. As per Clause 21a of the PTF Constitution, the Authority Letter issued by the secretary ILTC is not considered in order unless the Nominating Authority is truly established,” reasoned Asghar.

Former Davis Cup Captain Hameed-ul-Haq seconded the concerns of ITA and Asghar by stating that the absence of PSB’s representative and the forced absence of the POA’s representative from the elections’ proceedings made the PTF elections illegal. “The PSB and POA should take notice of the bundle of irregularities committed in PTF elections by the outgoing officials,” said Hameed.