The Pakistan Sports Board has immediately suspended the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation due to allegations of corruption and irregularities.
This decision was made following the 25th PSB meeting on July 6, 2022, and was based on findings from a delegate appointed by the PSB under the Lahore High Court’s direction. The PSB has instructed all Provincial Sports Boards and relevant government departments to cease any communication or collaboration with the PWF, including financial support and facility usage.
Read more: Nooh Dastagir has been banned from competing in the National Games by the Weightlifting Federation.
An Interim Committee has been formed to manage the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation after the suspension of its leadership. This new committee, led by Brigadier (R) Zahid Iqbal, includes Colonel (R) Dr. Hafiz Zafar Iqbal and Nuzhat Jabeen as members.
Under Hafiz Imran Butt’s leadership, the PWF faced accusations of irregularities, corrupt practices, and anti-doping violations, prompting the PSB’s intervention. The PWF’s shortcomings in athlete testing have contributed to Pakistan being added to WADA’s watchlist, leading to significant suspensions from the sport’s international governing body. While PSB has not yet issued directives to athletes under PWF, they are expected to continue their activities as normal.
