“Conflict of Interests in University Sports and Talent Hunt Program Raises Concerns in Pakistan”

“Conflict of Interests in University Sports and Talent Hunt Program Raises Concerns in Pakistan”
Musarrat Ullah Jan

In matters concerning university-level sports in Pakistan, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has been under scrutiny for potential conflicts of interest in sports selection and committees. Recent revelations have sparked debates over the fairness of the process.

The HEC oversees various sports competitions at the university level, featuring thirty-five sports across the country, such as weightlifting, cycling, tug-of-war, football, and basketball.

One major concern lies in the tenure of the sports committees’ chairpersons in different provinces. While HEC regulations mandate a change every two years, certain individuals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have held their positions for more than a decade, potentially influencing both the HEC committees and various sports associations for men and women.

Allegations of collusion among these influential figures have emerged, with accusations of creating zones favoring certain universities over others, despite having the same sports directors. The recent selection process has also come under scrutiny, as only three universities in Peshawar, Mardan, and Charsadda were awarded, raising questions about fairness and equal opportunities for other institutions within the province.

In response to the mounting concerns, sports experts have called for an investigation into the assets of university-level sports directors by anti-corruption agencies like NAB. This move is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the system. Furthermore, experts emphasize the need to assess the performance of directors to gauge their impact on player development during their tenure.

Stakeholders are urging a fair and impartial approach to sports management and talent development, with the ultimate goal of providing equal opportunities to all universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As the debate continues, the spotlight remains on the need for transparency and fairness in university-level sports programs across Pakistan.