PSB Questions POA Election Legitimacy, Raises Concerns Over Transparency

Islamabad: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has expressed severe reservations regarding the transparency and legal status of the upcoming Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) elections.In a letter addressed to POA President Syed Muhammad Abid Qadri Gillani, the PSB highlighted five key concerns that cast doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The PSB questioned the transparency of constitutional amendments, pointing out that the POA’s website still displays the 2019 constitution, whereas the electoral rules mention amendments that have no record or clear explanation.The PSB demanded immediate publication of the new or amended documents to ensure clarity.
PSB expressed concern over the unavailability of General Council meeting minutes, specifically those from December 2023 and July 2024. The PSB urged POA to publish these minutes promptly to establish the legal status of amendments.PSB also sought detailed information about the electoral college, emphasizing its importance for ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
Board stressed the need for confirmation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding approval of the electoral rules adopted by POA’s General Council on July 6, 2024.The PSB criticized the exclusion of the Cycling Federation, which is part of the Olympic Games, from POA’s list of national sports federations.The PSB directed POA to address these concerns within three days, warning that failure to do so may negatively impact election transparency and POA’s legal status.
Sources revealed that POA’s acting president has called a consultative meeting to respond to PSB’s concerns.This development raises questions about POA’s commitment to transparency and adherence to international standards, sparking concerns among Pakistan’s sports community.The outcome of this situation will significantly impact Pakistan’s representation in international sports forums and its chances of hosting major sporting events.