Govt orders inquiry into ban on Arshad’s coach

ISLAMABAD: The government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the Athletics Federation of Pakistan’s (AFP) shocking and widely condemned decision to impose a lifetime ban on celebrated coach Salman Butt, the man credited with shaping Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem into a world-beating champion.

A top official of the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Division confirmed to The News that the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the AFP’s decision, its motives, and its implications for the future of athletics in Pakistan.

“An inquiry has been ordered into the AFP’s decision to impose a life ban on Salman Butt, a national asset who helped Arshad Nadeem bring Olympic gold and international glory to Pakistan,” said a senior IPC official.

“Such an extreme and ill-considered move has tarnished the country’s sporting image globally. The PSB has been directed to hold a full-scale inquiry to determine why such an unprecedented penalty was imposed on a coach who deserves admiration, not punishment.”

The News has learned that Olympic record-holder Arshad Nadeem has already been consulted on the matter. “It’s a matter of national pride,” the official added. “How can you punish the very person who transformed raw talent into Olympic gold? We need to understand what led to this rash decision. Once the inquiry concludes, those responsible will be dealt with accordingly.”

The AFP claimed that the ban was imposed because Butt organised a Punjab Athletics Association event without its permission and that Arshad Nadeem failed to deliver desired results at the World Athletics Championships, accusations outrightly rejected by Butt.

In a recent statement, the AFP said its Executive Committee, after “careful review and deliberation,” had decided to bar Salman Butt for life from all athletics activities, both in Pakistan and abroad, for alleged “gross violations” of the AFP Constitution.

Salman Butt rejected the federation’s claims, laying bare a string of inconsistencies and overlooked facts that have reignited debate over who truly stood behind Pakistan’s greatest athletics triumph.

Declaring that he would “continue to guide Arshad as long as he wants me by his side,” Butt revealed how the federation allegedly abandoned the athlete during crucial stages of his training, leaving specialists and the PSB to ensure that Pakistan’s lone Olympic gold hopeful stayed on track.