KARACHI: The Karachi Basketball Association (KBBA) secretary Zahid Malik has hit back at a statement released by Muhammad Yaqoob on Friday, former acting president of the KBBA, over his allegations that the recent elections of the association were “fake and illegal”.

Yaqoob had made the allegations on Wednesday, claiming that his name was included as senior vice president without his knowledge or consent, and also pointing out that the former president of the KBBA, Ghulam Mohammad Khan, was suspended by the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) in May 2024.

Zahid responded to Yaqoob’s allegations, saying that the elections were held lawfully under the association’s constitution.

Zahid added that almost all affiliated clubs participated in the elections, and Yaqoob’s own club, Nishtar Club, had its representatives present during the elections.

Zahid also pointed out that Yaqoob has dual membership with Karachi Youth Club and Faisal Ali Khan and Salim Qureshi from the same club were elected as office-bearers.

Regarding Ghulam’s suspension, Zahid stated that the former president was suspended by the PBBF without a written notice, and the KBBA is bound by the PBBF’s decision.

Ghulam was suspended at the General Council meeting held in May this year by PBBF president retired Brig Iftikhar Mansoor in which he was present and Ghulam himself appointed Yaqoob as the acting vice president.

The KBBA Secretary concluded by saying that the Karachi basketball community supports the current administration of the KBBA, and they are waiting for Yaqoob to take legal action so that the KBBA can respond accordingly in court.

A source from PBBF told Dawn that they will hold a meeting and take strict legal action against the people involved in holding the fake and illegal elections.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2024