PM Shehbaz Sharif orders inquiry into PHF matters

LAHORE, Aug 11 (DNA): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the irregularities of
the elections of Pakistan’s Hockey Federation and other matters.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has taken notice of irregularities in
various matters, including the elections of the Pakistan Hockey
Federation. He has directed for a thorough investigation into these
matters and has also instructed for a reference to be sent to the
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Last month, on July 19, a special committee chaired by Khawaja Asif
convened to discuss the PHF matters. Following the meeting,
recommendations were formulated to address the irregularities and were
subsequently forwarded to the Prime Minister.

In light of these recommendations, the Prime Minister has ordered
transparent conduct of the PHF elections, ensuring a fair process. He
has also directed a comprehensive review of the Hockey Clubs and the
Electoral College.

The Pakistan Sports Board will implement the Prime Minister’s
directives.

It is evident that the state of national sport hockey is dire, and
recently, the performance of the Pakistan team in the Asian Champions
Trophy held in India was notably inadequate. The team was eliminated
from the event in the initial rounds itself.

In this aforementioned event, Pakistan secured a sole victory in the
match against China, while facing defeats against Malaysia and India and
managing draws against Japan and Korea.