ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has opted for a democratic approach in filling the position of President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) by conducting elections, as announced by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Information, and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi on Tuesday.
Addressing questions during the Senate’s Question Hour, Minister Solangi highlighted that, in accordance with the National Sports Policy, the tenure for the president of PHF is limited to four years, with an individual ineligible to serve more than two consecutive terms. The recent resolution of the matter concerning the suspended PHF President, Brig. (Retd) Muhammad Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, was also noted. Minister Solangi mentioned that a committee has been formed to oversee the electoral process for selecting a new president.
The decision to hold elections for the president aligns with principles of transparency and adherence to established sports policies, ensuring a fair and democratic process in selecting leadership for the crucial sports organization.
Regarding cricket, Minister Solangi shared that an interim committee has been established, albeit with limited powers. He specified that the committee lacks the authority to alter the name of the FATA Cricket Team due to these limitations. The announcement sheds light on the government’s efforts to address matters within the realm of cricket governance, emphasizing the need for structured and transparent decision-making processes.
Responding to another question, the minister provided insights into the National TB Control Program (NTP), stating that it operates under the Common Management Unit within the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination. Minister Solangi emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the quality of medicines under the TB control program. He outlined a concrete mechanism devised to check the quality of medicines, revealing that all anti-TB medicines are procured by NTP Pakistan through the Global Drug Facility from WHO Prequalified sources. The procurement process includes pre-shipment inspection conducted by international agents to maintain high standards.
The minister’s statements underscore the government’s dedication to not only promoting sports but also to ensuring public health through effective programs such as the National TB Control Program. The decision to elect the PHF president through democratic means reflects a commitment to sports governance transparency and the adherence to established policies, instilling confidence in the broader sports community and the public alike. As these processes unfold, stakeholders and citizens will be watching closely to witness the outcomes and their impact on the respective sports organizations and programs.