FIBA maps out landmark revival plan for Pakistan Basketball
By Nawaz Gohar ; In what is being hailed as a massive shot in the arm for domestic sports, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Regional Office-Asia has officially pledged its full weight behind Pakistan, charting a comprehensive roadmap to revive and revolutionize basketball across the country.
The strategic commitment follows a high-profile, multi-city visit by a top-tier FIBA delegation to Islamabad and Lahore. The mission was aimed at breaking Pakistan’s prolonged international stagnation and integrating the country back into the mainstream Asian basketball ecosystem.
Led by FIBA Regional Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian, the delegation engaged in intense, high-level deliberations with the country’s top sports custodians. Key meetings were held with:
Mohyuddin Wani, Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) leadership.
The Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) top brass, including President Brig (R) Muhammad Iftikhar Mansoor, Secretary General Khalid Bashir, Senior Vice President Imtiaz Rafi Butt, and Associate Secretary General Ouj E Zahoor.
The discussions focused on dismantling structural bottlenecks, upgrading grassroots infrastructure, and creating sustainable pathways for Pakistani athletes to compete on the international stage.
Speaking exclusively on the vision behind the visit, Hagop Khajirian emphasized that empowering national federations is not just a policy, but a core strategic pillar for FIBA.
“Pakistan holds immense potential and occupies a position of significant importance within the Asian basketball landscape. We are fully committed to providing the technical expertise, resources, and cooperation necessary for the sport’s long-term development here,” Khajirian stated.
Terming the dialogue with Pakistani stakeholders “highly productive and encouraging,” Khajirian revealed that several game-changing proposals were reviewed to elevate the standard of the game. He lauded the proactive enthusiasm shown by government and sports officials, expressing firm confidence that this visit marks the definitive beginning of a vibrant new era for Pakistani hoops.
For years, Pakistan’s basketball potential has remained largely untapped due to structural challenges. However, this newly forged synergy between FIBA Asia, the PBBF, and the government signals a major shift.
Moving forward, FIBA will work hand-in-hand with national sports authorities to implement robust grassroots programs, referee and coaching clinics, and structured domestic leagues. With the world governing body now actively driving the narrative, Pakistan’s basketball court is finally set for a historic turnaround.
