LAHORE: A hefty Rs100 million was drawn in cash from the bank accounts of the Pakistan Hockey Federation across 2020-21, according to the body’s audit — conducted by the Pakistan Sports Board.

The audit report — seen by Dawn on Monday — has recommended severe action against the officials involved in drawing cash directly from the PHF accounts — an illegal act according to its constitution.

The PSB ordered a special audit of the PHF after the body’s incumbent president retired Brigadier Khalid Sajjad Khokhar ignored the former’s order to conduct fresh elections earlier this year.

Khalid eventually went on to conduct the due polls, only to be re-elected for a second term as president but he may find himself in hot waters again when the audit report is officially released since he was at the PHF’s helm when the apparent corruption was carried out.

It is not the first time that cash has been drawn directly from the PHF bank accounts. In 2017, officials of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hockey Association had alleged that Rs116.5 million were drawn in the same way.

Then, too, Khalid was the PHF president while Shahbaz Senior was the federation’s secretary. However, no action was taken in response to the allegations.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...