PSB Declares Pakistan Weightlifting Federation Elections “Unlawful”

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has declared the upcoming Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWF) elections, scheduled for February 1, as unlawful, citing a court order that restricts such activities. The PSB has further warned the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation that proceeding with the elections could be considered contempt of court, urging all relevant authorities and departments to ensure compliance with the legal directives.

The Pakistan Weightlifting Federation is already under suspension by the PSB, following an order from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) dated July 18, 2024. The IHC directed the PSB to establish clear election regulations and formally notify an Election Commission before any sports federations could conduct elections.

As part of these legal instructions, the IHC mandated the following criteria:

1. The PSB must notify election regulations in accordance with the law and the 2022 Constitution.
2. A model constitution must be developed for all sports federations to serve as a reference framework.
3. An Election Commission must be formally notified under the PSB Constitution.
4. No elections should take place until these conditions are met.

In response to the court order, the PSB Board approved the establishment of an Election Commission and the corresponding election regulations. However, with legal and administrative hurdles still unresolved, the fate of the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation remains uncertain. Any defiance of the IHC’s orders could result in serious legal consequences, putting the future of hundreds of athletes and administrators at risk.