In a letter addressed to sports federations and other stake holders, Dr. Hafiz Zafar Iqbal expressed his appreciation for Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on its decision to impose a life ban on Muhammad Khalid Mehmood, former President of the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) and De Facto Secretary of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). He noted that this decision, which includes referring Mehmood’s case to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for investigation into human trafficking, ensures that he has lost the right to convene any meetings of the PBF or POA, and he can no longer be part of the Olympic family in Pakistan.
Dr. Iqbal emphasized that any attempt by Mehmood to participate in such meetings would violate the PSB Constitution, undermine the government’s authority, and place the violators at risks.
He also urged the De Facto President of the POA and other members of the Olympic Movement in Pakistan to distance themselves from individuals who have defaulted on their responsibilities, reaffirming a commitment to uphold the Olympic Charter and the PSB’s ruling.
Additionally, Dr. Iqbal reiterated his request for an extended investigation into grievances he raised in his previous letter regarding Mehmood’s alleged involvement in Anti-Doping Rules Violations (ADRVs) by various sports federations, including the Pakistan Wrestling Federation, whose officials have faced charges yet remain protected.
Finally, he advised that the current structure of the POA should be dissolved, as many office bearers are ineligible, and called for the establishment of an independent election commission to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections after thorough scrutiny of all federations and associations.
Dr. Iqbal concluded that this statement has been made in good faith and is a matter of public importance.
