Khawaja Izhar, Shahla Raza spar over PHF elections, scrutiny, and KHA controversy
Islamabad, Pakistan | Web Desk: A tense exchange erupted during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination as lawmakers clashed over the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) elections, club scrutiny, and the Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) dispute.
The meeting, chaired by Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, was attended by DG Pakistan Sports Board Yasir Pirzada, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid, and former Olympians Shahbaz Senior, Samiullah, and Shahnaz Sheikh. During proceedings, a sharp verbal confrontation took place between MQM MNA Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan and PPP MNA Shahla Raza.
Khawaja Izhar alleged that a female MNA was representing a private Karachi-based company, stating that lawmakers have no legal authority to support or represent private firms. He claimed individuals banned by PHF were stakeholders in that company, calling the issue a dispute between a private firm and an association rather than a federation matter.
He further asserted that the Karachi Hockey Association was registered under the Companies Act, suggesting it could form a separate federation if desired. He emphasized that the standing committee had already issued a clear mandate to both PHF and the Pakistan Sports Board.
Responding to the allegations, Shahla Raza argued that Tariq Bugti, who was tasked with conducting PHF elections, instead assumed the presidency himself, while allegedly registering preferred hockey clubs.
Briefing the committee, DG Sports Board Yasir Pirzada disclosed that 1,100 hockey clubs had been registered on the PHF portal. However, initial scrutiny revealed 19 districts with only five clubs each, while Islamabad had no club meeting all regulatory requirements. He assured the Sports Board would oversee a fair scrutiny process.
The meeting witnessed further tension when Mehreen Razaq Bhutto stated she did not wish to hear PHF officials, prompting a strong reaction from Khawaja Izhar, who remarked that the committee was not a political forum and members unwilling to listen were free to leave.
Chairman Sheikh Aftab intervened, urging members to maintain decorum, stating, “This is not a fish market; respect the dignity of the committee.”
PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid confirmed acceptance of the committee’s directives and pledged joint scrutiny of clubs with the Pakistan Sports Board. He also announced that Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir would attend the closing ceremony of an upcoming hockey club tournament.
Committee member Aqeel Anjum Khan stressed that transparent and fair elections were the only solution to the ongoing crisis.
The committee subsequently formed a three-member subcommittee on PHF affairs, with Mehreen Bhutto as Convener, and Anjum Aqeel Khan and Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan as members, tasked with ensuring transparency in Pakistan Sports Board elections.
