ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a formal inquiry into the financial and administrative irregularities surrounding the Pakistan hockey team’s ongoing tour of Australia, following The News report of discrepancies in the utilisation of funds released by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
A senior source in the federal cabinet, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the prime minister took a serious notice of the matter after details emerged regarding advance payments issued for accommodation and daily allowances, and subsequent allegations that the team was not provided with facilities for which funds had been formally requisitioned and released.
According to the cabinet source, the prime minister has directed relevant authorities to conduct a transparent inquiry to ascertain the facts, determine responsibility and recommend appropriate action if financial mismanagement or administrative negligence is established.
“The PM has made it clear that accountability must be ensured and that dignity of national athletes and Pakistan’s international reputation cannot be compromised,” the source said.
The inquiry is expected to examine the release and utilisation of $49,280 issued against a hotel invoice, disbursement of daily allowances, alleged alternate accommodation arrangements, reported community fundraising during the tour, and other related administrative matters, including previous tour payments.
Officials at the PSB have maintained that all funds requested by the PHF were released promptly upon formal communication. The prime minister’s directive has significantly escalated the issue, with federal authorities now set to review the entire episode to ensure financial transparency and restore confidence in the governance of national sports bodies.
