Pakistan Sports Board has suspended the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation with immediate effect following reports of corruption and irregularities.
PSB had decided on the outcome following the 25th PSB meeting on July 6, 2022, based on findings from a delegate appointed by PSB under the directions of the Lahore High Court. The PSB has also directed all Provincial Sports Boards and relevant government departments to sever any correspondence or cooperation with PWF including financial grants, facility provision, or any other sponsorship dealings.
PSB has already established an Interim Committee to oversee the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWF) following the suspension of its leadership. The newly appointed Interim Committee, chaired by Brigadier (R) Zahid Iqbal, includes Colonel (R) Dr Hafiz Zafar Iqbal and Nuzhat Jabeen as members.
Under the chairman of Hafiz Imran Butt, the PWF faced charges of irregularities, corrupt practices, and anti-doping violations, leading to PSB’s recent intervention. It is believed that Pakistan’s addition to WADA’s watchlist was due to the PWF. It is not the first time that the sport of weightlifting has been lackadaisical in testing its athletes which led to hefty suspensions from the sports’ international governing body.
PSB is yet to issue directives to all the athletes competing under PWF’s banner but they are expected to carry on with their work as usual.