Pakistan football: A ray of hope after decades of darkness

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The Normalization Committee (NC) of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has almost completed its task assigned by the world governing body of football.

Remember why FIFA was forced to appoint a normalization committee.

This was due to infighting and politics in football federations in the past. The careers of national footballers were destroyed.

In Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, KPK or other parts of the country there was neither proper infrastructure nor encouragement of footballers at the grassroots level.

The Normalization Committee was thus tasked for a certain period of time to properly govern the game and conduct free and fair elections before finally handing over the PFF to genuinely elected representatives.

Although the primary role of the PFFNC is to conduct elections, it was also tasked with the smooth running of Pakistan football, including organizing national events and ensuring Pakistan’s participation in international events. .

PFF NC is controlling the affairs of PFF from 2021 onwards. The Haroon Malik-led NC began its tenure on June 1, 2022, till June 15, 2023. They got the first extension on June 15, 2023 till March 15, 2024. He got another extension on March 15, 2024, which is due to expire in December. 2024. The PFF NC promised to fulfill its original mandate which is to conduct the PFF elections in a free and fair manner.

Now that there is only a little time left in the tenure of the PFF NC, we want to see if it has been able to do its job properly – properly manage the day-to-day affairs of football and the PFF. Conduct of free and fair elections.

Haroon Ahmad Malik, who took charge of the PFFNC in June 2022, has undoubtedly emerged as a beacon of hope in the country’s football scene. His unwavering dedication and transformative leadership have breathed new life into a sport that was once on the brink of oblivion.

It should be remembered that for many decades, Pakistan football was a victim of mismanagement and political interference. The national team slipped down the FIFA rankings, and domestic football was a shadow of its former glory. However, it was a turning point for the game as Haroon came to head the affairs of Pakistan football.

The PFFNC then began its work as assigned by FIFA, namely overhauling Pakistan football. The ad hoc body tackled deep-rooted issues with a combination of strategic planning and determination.

One of the primary challenges facing the country’s NC was to restore credibility and transparency. He imposed strict financial controls, ensuring that every penny was accounted for. This initiative not only curbed corruption but also created a sense of trust among the stakeholders.

To revive the sport at the grassroots level, NC launched a nationwide youth development programme. By identifying and nurturing young talent, it aims to build a strong foundation for the future of Pakistan football. The program has already shown promising results, with young athletes emerging from different parts of the country.

Another notable achievement of NC is the revival of women’s football. Women’s participation in sports was actively promoted. NC organized leagues and provided opportunities for female athletes to showcase their talents. This initiative has not only empowered women but also added a new dimension to Pakistan football.

The current journey of PFF has been full of challenges. He faced opposition from vested interests who were opposed to change. However, the NC’s unwavering commitment to reforms helped it overcome almost all obstacles.

One of the main obstacles is lack of infrastructure. To deal with this, NC initiated efforts to build new stadiums and training facilities across the country. These investments will not only improve the playing conditions of the players but also attract international events to Pakistan.

Another challenge is limited financial resources. To overcome this, PFF NC acquired sponsorships and partnerships with various organizations. These contributions have provided the necessary funds to implement the committee’s ambitious plans.

Moreover, the country’s leadership of the PFFNC also instilled a new sense of hope in Pakistan football. His tireless efforts have not only transformed the federation but also influenced the nation. The recent success of the national team is a testament to his foresight.

As the normalization process nears completion and the committee is ready to hand over the reins of the PFF to a selected body, the future of Pakistan football looks promising.

With a strong foundation, the country is poised to become a force on the global football scene. The legacy of PFF NC, and indeed the country, will be remembered as a turning point in the history of Pakistan football.