PBBF writes letter to POA against PSB’s interference

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (PBBF), recognized and affiliated with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), in a letter addressed to the POA president has termed Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) decision to conduct elections as direct interference in the internal matters of an independent federation.

The letter written and signed by Tariq Perveiz (President) and Tariq Zafar (Secretary General) of the PBBF, says that the PSB unlawfully seeks to assume control over the internal electoral process of the PBBF.

“We request the POA to kindly take cognizance of this matter and extend its support in safeguarding the autonomy and integrity of the PBBF in accordance with the principles of the Olympic Movement,” the letter says. “As you are aware, the PBBF conducted its elections in full accordance with its approved Constitution in June 2022, and the present constitutional term remains valid until June 2026. The exclusive authority to conduct elections rests with the PBBF General Council, and no external entity has any jurisdiction to intervene or override this legal mandate,” the letter says.

The letter added that the PSB attempt was a direct interference in the internal affairs of the federation, in violation of the Olympic Charter, which guarantees the autonomy of national federations; The International Federation statutes governing bodybuilding; Resolutions of the POA duly adopted and binding upon PBBF; Formal assurances given by the Government of Pakistan to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2014; The judgments of the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan, which have categorically barred PSB from intervening in the affairs of National Federations not affiliated with it.

“Furthermore, this unlawful attempt effectively seeks to create a parallel body to the PBBF, which not only undermines the governance structure of the federation but also exposes Pakistan’s Olympic Movement to potential complications at the international level.”

The PBBF has warned its units against participating in any selection which is not backed by the internationally affiliated federation and by the POA. “Participation in any such unauthorized proceedings will constitute serious violation of the PBBF Constitution, POA resolutions, and the Olympic Charter, and will render such individuals or units liable to strict disciplinary action, including suspension, de-recognition, and ineligibility for participation in the National Games and all international events under the jurisdiction of the International Federation concerned.” Only the other day the PSB has served notice on OCA, POA affiliated PBBF for using the name of Pakistan.