ISLAMABAD: The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has sunk deeper into turmoil as it continues to defy repeated directives of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) by failing to account for a staggering Rs 101 million in government grants received over the last four years, despite the expiry of a final warning deadline.
Sources confirm that the PSB has issued multiple reminders to the federation, seeking long-pending financial adjustments and detailed expenditure records against the cash grants released during this period.
However, the AFP has persistently failed to furnish any documentary evidence, raising serious questions about transparency and governance within the federation. The situation worsened after the PSB served what it termed a “final notice” on December 19, directing the AFP to submit complete account details along with verified bank statements within one week. More than ten days after the deadline lapsed, the PSB is still awaiting any response.
“We have not received any account details or bank statements from the AFP up to January 2,” a senior PSB official told this correspondent.
“This is a serious violation. All other national federations regularly submit financial records and keep the PSB updated. Unfortunately, the AFP remains an exception.” The official further revealed that this was not the first warning. “Numerous notices have been issued in the past, urging the federation to settle its grant expenditures, but none have been complied with. An unaccounted amount exceeding Rs ten crore is alarming and cannot be ignored.”
According to sources, the PSB’s top leadership is scheduled to meet next week to deliberate on the issue and consider strict punitive action against the federation for what is being viewed as blatant financial misconduct. Adding to AFP’s woes, the federation is already embroiled in an administrative crisis.
Its recent elections for president and other office-bear ers have been declared null and void by the PSB Adjudicator, while the federation continues to function under a stay order, further complicating matters.
The unresolved financial irregularities have now emerged as yet another major scandal for the AFP, deepening concerns about mismanagement, lack of accountability and the overall future of athletics in the country.
According to official documents, the PSB, working under the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), released grants to AFP amounting to Rs 24.126 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022–23, Rs 69.250 million in FY 2023–24, and Rs 14.175 million in FY 2024–25.
Secretary AFP Col Shajahan Mir, who is currently out of the country, has confirmed that the annual accounts are settled every year. “Interim response has been shared as well. Due to my travel, the remaining details will be forwarded very soon.”
However, the PSB spokesman denies it, saying nothing has been settled as yet. “That is why we have sent them a final reminder on December 19.” As scrutiny intensifies, the AFP finds itself under unprecedented pressure, with its credibility, leadership and financial integrity all hanging in the balance.
