The formation of a five-member sub-committee by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports last week, for an in-depth inquiry into human trafficking allegations as well as other charges against the PHF secretary is reflective of the fact that the NA committee has taken the issue rather seriously. The gesture has been welcomed by impartial observers of the game, who earnestly believe that the accountability of the high-ups is vital for betterment of hockey; our national game.
The committee, which met under the chairmanship of Jamshed Khan Dasti, also discussed cricket with the PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt, who appeared before the committee to answer questions. It has been observed that the NASCS seems to be concerned more about cricket and hockey, neglecting the affairs of other sports which have long been going from bad to worse. Squash, a game in which Pakistan once ruled the world remains a mere speck in our history. Similar is the case with other sports such as athletics, boxing, football, swimming and tennis.
There are more than 40 national federations, affiliated with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the NA committee should closely monitor the affairs of annual grant receiving federations by appraising their high-ups for their constant failures at international and regional levels.
There seems to be no other forums for accountability except the NASCS and the Senate Standing Committee on Sports which in the recent past played a major role in making sports organisers accountable. But sports other than cricket and hockey were usually neglected. So there is an urgent need to workout a cohesive and comprehensive plan of accountability by the NASCS for all the federations by end of the year.
However, the Islamabad meeting did not endorse the PHF Executive Board July 17 decision which imposed an unprecedented, life ban on former Pakistan captain Mansoor Ahmed and ex-national coach Naveed Alam for making human trafficking allegations, mismanagement charges and vindictive statements citing poor handling of a good number of hockey academies, against the PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa.
According to press reports there had been charges and counter charges by the banned Olympians and the PHF secretary before the NA committee constituted a five-member sub-committee, consisting of Mohammad Ali, Begum Nasim Akhtar Chaudhry, Amir Yar Khan and Nasir Ahmed Bhutta, under Ramesh Lal.
Federal Interior secretary Syed Kamal Shah and the Federal Investigation Bureau (FIA) Director General Latif Khosa, who attended the July 30th meeting, have extended their full support if the concerned authorities referred the matter to them. Their presence in the meeting is quite significant and important. The sub-committee should not have been given a period of more than 15 days to submit its report to the NA committee. The serious nature of allegations may create problems for smooth working of Pakistan Hockey Federation and must be dealt with swiftly.
According to sources, efforts are being made to reach a settlement between both parties before the matter is referred to the Ministry of Interior and the FIA. Due to public spotlight on the matter however, allegations of human trafficking need thorough investigation. The NA committee should not waste any time in carrying out a speedy and comprehensive probe and its reports should be made public. If the inquiry by the interior Ministry and the FIA discredits allegations against PHF secretary Asif Bajwa, stern action must be taken against former Olympians. In case the charges hold their ground Bajwa should be immediately removed by PHF president Qasim Zia, to face the charges under the law.
