ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has called for a sweeping investigation into the financial and administrative affairs of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), alleging that years of political appointments have subjected players to “cruelty and abuse” and pushed the country’s national sport to the brink of ruin.
In a strongly worded statement issued from the federal capital on Thursday, the Minister expressed outrage over the treatment of athletes, noting that the national team had recently refused to play. He did not specify which instance he was referring to but stated that the players were being mistreated.
“The players of the Pakistan hockey team were subjected to cruelty and abuse,” Asif said. “We political parties do not do as much politics as is happening in the Hockey Federation. Pakistan’s national game has been ruined.”
The Minister leveled sharp criticism at the Federation’s leadership structure, demanding that it be cleansed of what he described as long-standing political interference in appointments. He argued that this internal politicking was the root cause of the sport’s decline and the demoralization of its players.
To address the crisis, Asif demanded a thorough audit of the PHF’s financial affairs. He announced his intention to escalate the matter formally, stating he would soon bring the issue before the National Assembly and its relevant standing committee to ensure parliamentary oversight.
“Someone should investigate their affairs,” he asserted, vowing to pursue the matter through official channels to bring accountability and transparency to the body governing one of Pakistan’s most beloved sports.
