
In a long awaited verdict, International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has suspended already crippled Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWLF) headed and created by Hafiz Imran Butt, who along with his Federation had already been suspended by PSB on 31st August 2022, due to doping, corrupt practices and gross mismanagements in its affairs. As a consequence thereto, PWLF can neither participate or vote or field any candidate in the IWF elections scheduled for 24 and 25 May 2025 in Riadh (KSA) nor may send its athletes for participation in any international event, until it pays the amount of fine and completes the term of its suspension, which may be extended upto 4 years.
PWLF has been suspended by IWF Independent Member Federations Sanctioning Panel (IMFSP) because it failed to be a member in good standing under Rule 8 of the IWF Constitution, which required PWLF to enforce policies and decisions of IWF, enforce its Anti-doping Rules (ADRs) and must not do anything to harm the sport or image or reputation of IWF.
It is on record that the weightlifters and top office bearers of PWLF had been involved in corrupt practices and committed minimum 8 ADRVs within a period of 12 months i.e. on 10 and November 2021. This attracted autometic fine to the tune of USD 5000 plus analysis fee to each Talha Talib and Abu Bakar Ghani, which they refused to pay. In the meantime, on 2 August 2024, Mr Amjad Amin (Ex-Vice President & Secretary PWLF along with his three sons) and Sharjeel Butt and their coach were also suspended by ITA for 4 years, for ADRVs committed by them on 10 November 2021.
Simulteneously, Hafiz Imran Butt and his son were charged for possessing and administring Prohibited Substances and Complicity; and are being investigated by ITA.
In the overall context, the violations attract the provisions of Article 12.3.2 of IWF ADRs, which has attracted jurisdiction of IMFSP and entails 4 years suspension and USD 500,000/- fine.
The Interim Committee expresses its deep concern on this dismaying situation but shall stands for the rights of clean and doping free weightliters, especially the youth and the juniors. The Interim Committee shall also approach the concern quarters for the needful.