Pakistan’s sporting landscape is going through a hidden crisis as the rift between the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and many of the associated National Sports Federations (NSFs) continues to grow, forcing the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) to make its stance clear.
POA President Arif Saeed has assured that the national body, along with its affiliated sports federations, will continue to function strictly in line with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Charter, while also expressing readiness to work with the federal government, provided its autonomy remains intact.
The Pakistan Sports Board, which operates under the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, is allegedly seeking more control over the federations, causing alarm within the POA as it violates international directives. Under the IOC’s charter, all NSFs must operate autonomously or face consequences.
“As far as the autonomy of national sports federations is concerned, it will be safeguarded under the IOC Charter,” Arif said while speaking to reporters. “I am in constant contact with the federal minister, secretary sports, and DG, and we share mutual respect. They know what our mission is”
He emphasized that the POA was committed to cooperation with the government but drew a clear line regarding independence. “Any breach would contravene both the IOC Charter and the Lausanne Agreement signed between the IOC and the federal government in 2014. I do hope no Pakistani would want that agreement to be violated,” he added.
While the PSB has its own reasons for maintaining stricter oversight over the federations, primarily due to the misuse of funds, the move ultimately violates international law and puts Pakistani athletes at risk.
The growing tension between the PSB and the POA is a critical issue that could have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan’s sporting future. With the autonomy of national federations hanging in the balance, the need for dialogue and resolution has never been greater. For the sake of the athletes and the country’s reputation on the global stage, all stakeholders must find common ground before it’s too late.