The Interim Committee of the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWLF) has urged the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), and international sports bodies to take action against what it describes as a “suspended/fake” Pakistan Weightlifting Federation.
In a letter dated 28 July 2026, the Interim Committee claimed that the suspended federation had issued show-cause notices to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and more than 60 male and female weightlifters who participated in the National Weightlifting Championship, held at the PSB Coaching Centre in Lahore from 10 to 15 July 2026 with PSB approval.
The committee alleged that these actions could damage the sporting and academic careers of athletes, including national record holders and top performers. It further claimed that similar actions had previously affected several prominent Pakistani weightlifters, coaches, and technical officials.
The Interim Committee praised the Higher Education Commission for participating in the championship despite what it described as pressure from the suspended federation. It also requested the authorities to issue fresh guidance clarifying the status of the suspended federation and to disregard what it called “mala fide” show-cause notices.
Among its recommendations, the committee called for recovery of an alleged USD 30,000 fine from individuals it named, discussion of the suspended federation’s conduct at the PSB Executive Committee, and an approach to the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) for provisional recognition of the Interim Committee to safeguard the rights of clean weightlifters and support preparations for the 2027 SAF Games.
