In a meeting held on Friday, November 29, 2024, in Islamabad, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) scrutinized the Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) progress on district-level football elections and broader governance issues. The session, chaired by Muhammad Sana Ullah Khan Mastikhel, brought together committee members and sports officials to address lingering concerns about Pakistan’s football administration.
Haroon Malik Under Fire for Election Delays
Haroon Malik, Chairman of the PFF Normalization Committee (PFF-NC), appeared before the committee after skipping a previous meeting due to a scheduling conflict with the PFF’s Extraordinary Congress. Malik briefed the committee on district elections conducted across 141 districts in Pakistan, emphasizing that the process had been delayed due to the country’s deteriorating law and order situation.
However, Malik’s explanations did little to satisfy the committee members, primarily elected representatives of the National Assembly. Expressing their displeasure, the members demanded a comprehensive written report detailing the election process and its current status.
Accountability from PSB and IPC Leadership
Adding to the committee’s frustrations was the absence of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Yasir Peerzada and IPC Minister Rana Sanaullah. Their no-show was met with stern criticism, as the committee demanded not only their attendance at future meetings but also a 10-year audit report of the PSB’s finances and activities.
Extraordinary Congress Controversies
The PFF’s challenges extended beyond elections. Malik was questioned about the delay of the Extraordinary Congress initially scheduled for November 19. The congress, which was expected to address proposed amendments to PFF Statute Article 38, could not proceed due to objections raised by some members.
The proposed amendments aimed to revise the eligibility criteria for the PFF presidency, introducing greater flexibility for candidates seeking the position. These changes, however, sparked significant debate, stalling the congress. A new date for the event, expected to include representatives from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has yet to be announced.
A Fractured Football Landscape
The meeting highlighted the ongoing dysfunction within Pakistan’s football governance. The delayed elections and lack of clarity on key decisions have raised questions about the PFF-NC’s ability to effectively manage the sport. The absence of top officials from the PSB and IPC further underscored the lack of coordination among key stakeholders in Pakistan’s sports administration.
For a footballing nation struggling to find its footing on the international stage, these administrative setbacks serve as a stark reminder of the need for urgent reforms. As the clock ticks, all eyes will be on the PFF’s next moves and the Standing Committee’s ability to hold sports officials accountable.