KARACHI, Aug 24: Pakistan Boxing Federation’s (PBF) vice-president has given his president a ticking off for threatening him with expulsion over joining the “breakaway” provincial association and has advised him to “behave according to the stature of the post.”

In reply to a letter from the PBF president Zaffar Zuberi, vice-president Shah Naeem Zafar questioned whether the president had powers to expel an elected vice-president.

The matter took a new twist after Naeem was elected chairman of Sindh Boxing Association (SBA) being run by officials who have openly launched a revolt against PBF chairman Anwar Chowdhry, accusing him of running the federation affairs single-handedly.

“I am extremely shocked by your ‘unsealed letter’ dated Aug 15, 2007, containing a threat to expel me from the federation. Whether the PBF constitution permits you to expel an otherwise elected vice-president is a moot point.

“The then SBA senior vice-president and Karachi South Boxing Association president Abid Brohi, Ali Akbar Shah and others visited your residence on my instructions regarding the SBA elections. You promised to talk to Anwar Chowdhry and expressed your helplessness. Perhaps you didn’t act as a true PBF president, as has been done in my case. Your continued silence prompted the SBA office-bearers to hold elections according to the constitution of the association,” Naeem wrote in his Aug 20, 2007 letter to Zaffar.

The vice-president further reminded Zaffar that the SBA elections were held under the supervision of Sindh Sports Board (SSB), adding that calling the body a ‘breakaway’ faction was inexplicable.

Naeem also asked Zaffar as to why he had been made a victim while seven SBA officials, who were elected in the June 22 polls, were being spared.

“Before I give you a detailed reply, I would like to know what action has been taken against those seven members of the previous SBA by you as the president of PBF? Although it doesn’t seem appropriate, yet I would like to advise you to behave according to the stature of the post held by you in the PBF, and don’t take hasty decisions which may create unpleasant situation,” asked Naeem.

The vice-president, however, suggested to the president that the dispute should be put before the general body of the PBF and both parties be given patient hearing to resolve the matter.

The contents of the letter from Zaffar clearly indicate that PBF used arm-twisting tactics to force Naeem to announce his disassociation from the provincial body.

“We have noted with extreme anguish the news published in the local media that you have ‘accepted’ to become chairman of the breakaway SBA. I admit that you have denied the media reports in our telephonic conversations and agreed to convey this in writing to the press and PBF. We feel now you are reluctant to do so for reasons known to you only.

“You are requested to make clear announcement of your choice within seven days of receipt of this letter. You will either announce your resignation from PBF or the so-called SBA. In case you fail to do so, I will have no choice but to recommend your expulsion as vice-president,” wrote Zaffar.

Naeem, nevertheless, said he had told Zaffar he would distance himself from the SBA if he resolved the issue, but never denied the media reports about his election as SBA’s chairman.

“Why should I resign from the PBF or SBA? I had objections and still have reservations how PBF handled the SBA polls issue on which I joined SBA. I will fight the PBF remaining within the federation,” Naeem told Dawn on Friday.

Interestingly, while Naeem sent copies of his letter to Federal and Sindh Sports Ministries, Pakistan Olympic Association, Sindh Olympic Association, Pakistan Sports Board, and PBF affiliates, Zaffar send a copy only to Chowdhry.