PWLF challenges PSB interference, threatens to rescind affiliation

The Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWLF) has issued a formal notice to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) regarding alleged unauthorized interference in its governance, giving a two-week ultimatum to address the concerns or face potential disaffiliation.

In a strongly-worded letter dated November 20, 2024, PWLF General Secretary Ms. Nuzhat Jabeen highlighted several concerns, particularly criticizing PSB's establishment and renotification of an ad-hoc committee in 2022 and 2024. The federation claims these actions violate the Olympic Charter and statutes of various international weightlifting bodies.

The PWLF, currently led by President Hafiz Imran Butt and recognized by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), has demanded an immediate cessation of what it terms "unlawful interference," including the withdrawal of the ad-hoc committee and reversal of the federation's suspension.

The letter also addresses doping control issues, noting that while PSB has questioned PWLF's handling of anti-doping measures, Pakistan has been placed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) watchlist for non-compliance under PSB and Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination's oversight since 2021.

If their demands are not met within the specified timeframe, the PWLF threatens to terminate its affiliation with PSB, pursue legal action to protect its autonomy and notify all relevant national and international bodies of these developments.

The federation has distributed copies of this notice to various stakeholders, including the IWF General Secretary, Pakistan Olympic Association, and all provincial sports boards and Olympic associations.