Athletics federation, Punjab elections under scrutiny as PSB begins probe

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Sports Board’s (PSB) Panel of Adjudicators, headed by Senator Pervaiz Rashid, on Monday initiated an in-depth hearing into the controversial lifetime ban imposed by the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) on renowned coach Salman Butt, the man behind Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem’s rise to glory.

Appearing before the panel, Salman Butt personally defended his case, while Brig (R) Wajahat Hussain, President of the AFP, presented the federation’s stance. The adjudicators directed both parties to furnish all relevant documents by November 6, when the petition filed by Tariq Sadhu challenging the last AFP elections is also set to be heard.

According to sources, the AFP President questioned the jurisdiction of the PSB Adjudicators. However, Senator Pervaiz Rashid maintained that the panel has full legal authority to probe the affairs of any sports federation receiving government funding.

“The Supreme Court and High Court have both ruled that all such federations taking financial assistance from government fall under the scope of PSB oversight,” Senator Rashid was quoted as saying.

The adjudicators also decided to review Punjab Athletics Association elections and previous AFP elections, which are now officially under scrutiny. Both parties have been instructed to submit comprehensive documentation and appear again before the panel on November 6 at the IPC Offices, Kohsar Block.

Sources present during the proceedings told The News that the federation’s president failed to present convincing evidence justifying the ban imposed on the country’s most accomplished athletics coach.

Interestingly, the AFP distanced itself from its earlier claim that the ban was linked to Arshad Nadeem’s performance at the World Athletics Championships, despite senior officials having publicly blamed Butt for the athlete’s “below-par” showing.

The adjudicators questioned the legality and procedural fairness of the AFP’s action, seeking full records of the income dispute, internal correspondence, and disciplinary measures that led to the decision.

Coach Salman Butt, in his statement, described the ban as “biased, unjustified, and detrimental to the spirit of national sports.” He asserted that the decision was made in haste, without due process, and has disrupted Pakistan’s athletics preparation ahead of crucial international events.

Earlier, the federal government had directed the PSB to ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry into the matter. The upcoming hearing on November 6 is expected to play a decisive role in determining the future course of action regarding both the controversial ban and the legitimacy of the federation’s elections.

The case has since sparked widespread debate in sporting circles, with calls growing louder for accountability and fairness in Pakistan’s athletics administration, particularly in the treatment of the coach who helped deliver the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in track and field.