KARACHI: Saleem Qureshi, newly-declared chairman of the Karachi Basketball Association (KBBA), has vehemently denied any involvement or association with the recent elections, terming them “so-called” and “illegal”.

In a press release issued on Sunday, Saleem expressed shock and dismay at being elected as chairman without his knowledge, consent or presence at the meeting.

He questioned the legitimacy of the process, highlighting the absurdity of being elected to a position without being present.

“How can it be possible for an individual who was not even present at their meeting to be elected for a position in the association?” Saleem asked. “This is not only illogical but also highlights the farcical nature of this entire process.”

This development comes on the heels of a similar denial by Mohammad Yaqoob, former acting president of the KBBA, who was also falsely named as senior vice president in the same elections.

Yaqoob had earlier condemned the elections as “fake and illegal”, citing the suspension of former president Ghulam Mohammad Khan by the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) due to disciplinary and administrative irregularities.

Saleem also hinted at the involvement of suspended officials in electoral controversy.

“This situation appears to be yet another drama orchestrated by the suspended former president of KBBA, Ghulam Muhammad Khan,” Saleem said.

The PBBF had suspended Ghulam in May 2024 and established a management and scrutiny committee, headed by Ashfaq Ahmed, to oversee the KBBA’s affairs and ensure transparent elections.

However, the recent elections have raised questions about the legitimacy of the process and the involvement of suspended officials.

Saleem has made it clear that he has no connection with the “bogus body” or its “illegal elections”, and his statement has added to the growing controversy surrounding the KBBA elections.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2024