ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Sports Board approved a wide-ranging reform and development agenda during its 36th Board Meeting held at its headquarters on March 31.
The meeting, chaired by Rana Sana Ullah Khan, Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination and President PSB, endorsed key structural changes aimed at improving governance, athlete development and international competitiveness.
Director General Yasir Pirzada presented the bi-annual performance report (July–December 2025), outlining progress in governance reforms, infrastructure, athlete support and international participation. The Board unanimously approved the report, describing it as a sign of improved institutional direction.
A central decision was the approval of a Long-Term Athlete Development Programme (LTADP), designed to shift Pakistan’s sports system from an activity-based model to a performance-driven structure aligned with international standards and Olympic cycles. National federations have been directed to submit four-year development plans within 90 days, with funding to be tied to performance and compliance.
The Board also approved a significant proposed increase in the PSB budget, recommending it be raised from approximately Rs1.2 billion to Rs4.9 billion to support training, coaching, infrastructure and international participation. The proposal will be forwarded to the prime minister for final approval.
On governance, the Board reviewed compliance with tenure regulations under the National Sports Policy 2005 and stressed the need for transparent and fair elections across federations, including the formulation of standardised guidelines.
The Board further reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on doping, with particular concern over violations within the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, and called for stricter enforcement measures.
