IWF suspends PWLF under Rule 8 of IWF Constitution

KARACHI: The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has suspended already crippled Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWLF).

According to a press statement by the Chairman Interim Committee on PWLF Zahid Iqbal, the PWLF headed and created by Hafiz Imran Butt has been suspended by IWF. “Imran along with his federation had already been suspended by Pakistan Sports Board on August 31, 2022, due to doping, corrupt practices and gross mismanagements in its affairs,” stated Zahid Iqbal.

He added that now the PWLF cannot participate (or vote, or field any candidate) in the IWF elections that are scheduled on May 24-25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Also, he added, the PWLF cannot send any local athletes for participation in any international event until it pays the amount of fine and completes the term of its suspension, which may be extended up to four years.

Zahid informed that the PWLF has been suspended by IWF Independent Member Federations Sanctioning Panel (IMFSP) because it failed to be a member in good standing under Rule 8 of the IWF Constitution.

“The said rule required PWLF to enforce policies and decisions of IWF, enforce its Anti-Doping Rules (ADRs) and must not do anything to harm the sport or image or reputation of IWF,” said Zahid.

He added that it is on record that the weightlifters and top office bearers of PWLF had been involved in corrupt practices and committed minimum 8 ADRVs within a period of 12 months. “This attracted automatic fine to the tune of USD 0.5 million plus analysis fee to each Talha Talib and Abu Bakar Ghani, which they refused to pay.

“In the meantime, on August 2, 2024, Amjad Amin (Ex-Vice President & Secretary PWLF), his three sons, Sharjeel Butt, and their coach were also suspended by ITA for four years for committing ADRVs on November 10, 2021,” stated Zahid.

Simultaneously, he added, Hafiz Imran Butt and his sons were charged for possessing and administering Prohibited Substances and Complicity; and they are being investigated by ITA.

“In the overall context, the violations attract the provisions of Article 12.3.2 of IWF ADRs, which has attracted jurisdiction of IMFSP and entails four years’ suspension and the fine of USD 500,000,” said Zahid. He added that the Interim Committee expresses its deep concern on this dismaying situation but stands for the rights of clean and doping free weightlifting in the country.