WADA VIOLATIONS | THE ADOP FALLOUT | ATHLETES EXPOSED
By: Shahid Ul Haq – Sports Philanthropist
WADA VIOLATIONS | THE ADOP FALLOUT | ATHLETES EXPOSED
By: Shahid Ul Haq – Sports Philanthropist
The Pakistan Athletics Federation and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have recently taken a shocking and dangerous step that blatantly violates the international code of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). A list of eleven athletes nominated for doping tests was published on social media,
an act that constitutes a serious breach of personal privacy and a direct attack on the fundamental principle of “Fair Play” upheld by WADA. Not only was this list posted online, but it was also officially issued with the signature of Waqar Ahmad, Assistant Director of PSB and Liaison Officer of NADO Pakistan.
Mismanagement and Disorder in Pakistan Anti-Doping Board ;
The Anti-Doping Organization of Pakistan (ADOP) is currently in a state of severe crisis, riddled with irregularities and administrative disorder. The organization is presently being operated by a few government officials: an Acting Chairman who is a government employee and his subordinate Waqar Ahmad. Both are reportedly lacking in anti-doping knowledge and experience.
This is not merely an administrative lapse but a potentially disastrous action that could severely damage Pakistan’s sporting reputation at the international level. WADA regulations mandate that such matters be handled with confidentiality, independence, and zero government interference—principles that are being completely ignored under the current setup.
Violation of WADA’s Autonomy Principles ;
According to WADA Code Article 20.5.1, every National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) must operate independently and autonomously, without any interference from the government, Olympic associations, or sports federations. However, in stark contrast, the Director General of PSB allegedly used his influence to have himself appointed as Acting Chairman of NADO Pakistan, and placed his close associate Waqar Ahmad as the liaison officer.
This appointment was not only non-transparent but also in clear violation of WADA’s guidelines. The recent restructuring of NADO was carried out without any international approval, which could impact cases currently under review at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). If WADA intervenes, Pakistan may be forced to participate under a white flag in international events.
Appointment of Incompetent Personnel & Violation of Sample Collection Protocols ;
One of the most alarming aspects is that a person named Mujahid-ul-Islam, who obtained an online certificate in 2016 (now expired), has been allowed to conduct training sessions for Doping Control Officers (DCOs)—despite not being a WADA-certified trainer.
This is in direct violation of the following WADA clauses:
ISTI Clauses 5.3.1.3 and 5.3.3.1:
> “Sample Collection Personnel must be fully trained, authorized, and accredited by the relevant authority, which includes direct observation and practical training.”
WADA Guidelines (2014, v1.0):
> “Only experienced and WADA-accredited trainers may conduct certification or recertification courses for DCOs.”
Ignorance and Breach of Confidentiality by the Athletics Federation ;
The Pakistan Athletics Federation has also played a role in this mismanagement. Its General Secretary, due to incompetence and ignorance of regulations, issued doping notices (signed by Waqar Ahmad) on official letterhead, including names and addresses of athletes, and forwarded them to NADO and all affiliated units, thereby alerting the athletes in advance.
However, WADA’s ISTI Article 4.6.1 clearly states:
> “No advance notice of Testing shall be given to the Athlete.”
And Article 5.4.1 adds:
> “All doping tests must be conducted on a no advance notice basis.”
This breach of confidentiality provides athletes the opportunity to use masking agents or evasion techniques, thereby compromising the entire anti-doping process. Athletes such as Gohar, who had already been under suspicion for doping, received another notification—this time with advance warning, a clear violation of fair play.
ADOP’s Collapsed Organizational Structure ;
No permanent Chairman
No Board of Directors
No WADA-approved Rule Book
No functioning office or trained staff
Despite this, ADOP has remained listed as a WADA-recognized organization since 2008, raising serious questions about WADA’s accountability framework.
Allegations of Personal Gain and Nepotism ;
Sources allege that the Acting Chairman is deliberately delaying the appointment of a permanent chairman and the formal structuring of the body to retain financial benefits and privileges attached to the position.
Additionally, the DG PSB renamed ADOP to “ADOB” without WADA’s approval, which is another violation of international procedures. Moreover, personal aides have allegedly been inducted into ADOP without official recruitment, turning the institution into a hub of nepotism and personal interest.
WADA’s Silence – A Question Mark ;
Despite all this, WADA has remained silent or seemingly unaware. It is the duty of WADA to immediately investigate these serious allegations, propose corrective actions, and ensure Pakistan complies fully with international anti-doping standards.
Urgent Reforms Are Essential ;
To protect Pakistan from global embarrassment, the following actions must be taken immediately:
1. Government should withdraw completely from NADO affairs and restore its independence.
2. All appointments must be made transparently and on merit.
3. All PSB officials must be removed from anti-doping matters.
4. Doping cases must be handled with complete confidentiality in line with WADA protocols.
5. WADA must independently investigate and present a corrective roadmap.
The ongoing allegations surrounding ADOP and its operations are not just a national sports crisis, but a grave violation of international anti-doping principles. If reforms are not enacted urgently, Pakistan’s sporting credibility could be permanently damaged.
The responsibility will fall squarely on the so-called “philosophers” within the Pakistan Sports Board. WADA too must take strict measures to preserve its own credibility, or it risks losing its reputation for impartiality and governance.
About the Author ;
Shahid Ul Haq is a renowned sports philanthropist, former national basketball player, fitness coach for national teams, and respected sports columnist. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Sports and Fitness Association of Pakistan (SFAP) and the host of the SPOFIT YouTube channel.
Contact: spofit@gmail.com
