KARACHI: Pakistan Sports Board has termed the elections of Pakistan Weightlifting Federation unlawful that are scheduled to be held on February 1st.

The said federation has already been suspended by PSB under the directions of Islamabad High Court vide order dated July 18th, 2024 (in Writ Petition No. 2524/2022).

The IHC directed PSB to notify the regulations in accordance with law and Constitution, 2022; notify the model constitutions for all the federation for reference purpose; and notify election commission under the Constitution of PSB in terms of rules.

Thus, till the notification of those rules, no election be conducted, therefore, the relevant authorities are directed to notify the rules within stipulated time referred above.

“In compliance of the orders of ICH, the PSB’s Board (in its 31st meeting on December 4th, 2024) approved the establishment of an Election Commission and the corresponding Election Regulations.

“The Election Commissioner and Members will be notified in due course of time and as first phase of the election process, scrutiny process of clubs and associations by Provincial Sports Boards is under process,” stated Assistant Director (NF) Distribution of PSB M Waqar Ahmed.

He further stated in the notification (No.F.7-82/2020-PSB(NF)) that in view of the above the PSB restricts participation in the elections of Pakistan Weightlifting Federation.

“These elections may be construed as contempt of court in light of the aforementioned order, and all departments are urged to ensure strict compliance with the Court’s order,” stated Waqar.

He also requested provincial sports boards to advise their respective provincial weightlifting associations to restrain from participating in these elections.