General Body of Chess Federation of Pakistan Impeaches President Hanif Qureshi

General Body of Chess Federation of Pakistan Impeaches President Hanif Qureshi

Islamabad, 18 July, 2024 — In an unprecedented decision, the General Body of the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) voted to impeach President Hanif Qureshi during general body meeting of chess federation of Pakistan held at Margala Hotel, Islamabad. This begrudgingly accepted move, driven by allegations of misconduct and constitutional violations, marks a significant turning point for the federation.

President Qureshi faced serious accusations, including the exclusion of legitimate General Body members, financial embezzlement, arbitrary actions, illegal suspensions, failure to hold annual general meetings since June 2022, formation and encouraging of parallel associations, and refusal to approve FIDE rating for the tournaments held by Punjab and Balochistan chess associations.

Out of the 17-member General Body, 14 members voted in favor of the impeachment, exceeding the required two-thirds majority. One member abstained from the vote.

Following the impeachment, Vice President Shehzada Khurram was appointed interim President until the next election. All decisions made by Qureshi without General Body approval were nullified including suspensions/removals/appointments etc.

A committee was formed to investigate allegations of financial embezzlement against Qureshi and other officials. The DG federal audit will be requested to conduct an audit, and the CFP’s bank account will remain suspended during the inquiry.