DNA
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination, chaired by MNA Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, convened a tense session today to address the long-standing issue of elections in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Muhammad Yasir Pirzada, Secretary PHF, Olympians Shahbaz Senior, Samiullah, and Shahnaz Sheikh, amid sharp exchanges between committee members.
DG PSB Yasir Pirzada informed the committee that the PHF has registered over 1,100 hockey clubs on its portal. However, he highlighted serious irregularities in the registration process.
At the start of scrutiny, 19 districts had only five hockey clubs each, raising questions about authenticity and coverage. He further revealed that not a single hockey club in Islamabad met all required criteria and standards, underscoring systemic issues in club verification nationwide.
Pirzada added that the PSB is now formulating a proper procedure and methodology for scrutinizing hockey clubs to ensure transparency and fairness ahead of any elections.
The session witnessed heated exchanges between MNAs Khawaja Iftikhar ul Hassan and Shehla Raza. Khawaja Iftikhar accused a female member of the committee of supporting a private company involved in the dispute.
He claimed the ongoing conflict stems from tensions between an association and this private company, with one MNA allegedly representing the company’s interests. “No MNA has the right to represent a private company,” he asserted, adding that individuals banned by the PHF are stakeholders in this company.
Shehla Raza countered by alleging irregularities under Tariq Bugti’s leadership. She claimed Bugti was previously authorized only to conduct PHF elections but instead appointed himself president. She further accused the federation of registering “favorite” hockey clubs selectively, bypassing proper rules.
Chairman Sheikh Aftab intervened, reminding members of the committee’s dignity and urging restraint, stating, “This is a committee—please show some consideration.
“The committee issued a clear mandate to the PHF and PSB to resolve the impasse. Discussions focused on expediting club scrutiny in collaboration with the PSB, forming an election commission with PSB representation, and ensuring free and fair elections. The involvement of Olympians and former players underscored the urgency of reviving Pakistan’s national game, which has faced administrative turmoil for years.
The PHF elections saga has dragged on, with previous committee directives—including orders for Bugti to hold polls within set timelines—yet to be fully implemented. Today’s meeting highlighted persistent concerns over governance, transparency, and external influences hampering the federation.
Committee members emphasized the need for immediate action to restore credibility to PHF affairs, protect the sport’s legacy, and pave the way for transparent leadership elections. Further meetings are anticipated as scrutiny procedures take shape and stakeholders work toward resolution.
