Performance Disparity and Accountability Concerns Surface at the National Games in Quetta
By Musarrat Ullah Jan
The recently concluded National Games in Quetta saw Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa emerge as the top-performing province, leaving other provinces
behind. However, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's performance may have been
comparatively better, it cannot be regarded as a significant improvement or
record-setting achievement. This raises questions about the allocation of
funds, recruitment of coaches by the provincial sports directorate, and the
number of competitions conducted.
Unfortunately, obtaining a comprehensive account of the
funds spent by the previous government's provincial sports directorate on the
Ministry of Sports has proven to be a challenge. Bureaucratic hurdles and
conflicting policies have hindered transparency and accountability within the
department. District Sports Officers (DSOs) working under the Provincial Sports
Directorate have expressed frustration, particularly concerning their
performance over the last three years. The silence surrounding the number of
sports programs organized, participation rates, and financial expenditures in
most districts is alarming.
The lack of answers has become more evident in recent
events. Requests made under the Right to Information Act regarding the
competitions scheduled for 2022 from the District Sports Officers of Peshawar
have gone unanswered for two months. Moreover, a false accusation has been made
against writer , an individual seeking information, resulting in the filing of
a defamation case. These incidents highlight the need for accountability and
transparency in the sports directorate.
Following the National Games in Quetta, the Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association has questioned the directorate's handling of
funds, suggesting that better performance could have been achieved if managed
by the Olympic Association instead. They also criticized the silence of the
provincial sports directorate regarding inter-district competitions before the
National Games, stating that these events could have facilitated the emergence
of new talented athletes. While the Olympic Association's concerns hold some
merit, they should also address the poor performance of their affiliated
associations.
Several associations have faced criticism for their
lackluster performance, leading to allegations of favoritism and nepotism.
Questions have also been raised regarding the utilization of a substantial sum
of 3.8 million rupees. These funds, approved by the former DG Sports Khalid
Khan, surpass the actual requirements of the National Games. It remains unclear
whether these funds will be audited or continue to be expended without proper
oversight.
The Provincial Sports Directorate of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
should reflect upon their own responsibilities. The forthcoming sports policy
needs to prioritize the promotion of sports at the grassroots level and
evaluate their efforts in developing athletes across various disciplines.
Coaches, both regular and daily wage earners, have expressed concerns about the
department's lack of players at their disposal. If athletes suddenly shifted to
other departments prior to the National Games, it raises questions about the
effectiveness of the directorate's talent retention strategies. Furthermore,
issues have arisen regarding wasteful spending on inter-university games and
equipment, which fall outside the purview of the sports directorate. These
misguided endeavors only serve to please certain factions and waste taxpayers'
money.
Amidst these concerns, the plight of daily wage workers,
such as security personnel earning meager salaries, should not be overlooked.
Their unpaid wages for three months demonstrate a severe lack of accountability
within the system. The overall performance of the sports directorate raises
important questions, necessitating critical thinking from the taxpayers who
finance government employees' salaries.
The aftermath of the National Games in Quetta has shed light on the disparity in performance between provinces, as well as the need for greater transparency, accountability, and strategic planning within the sports directorate. Addressing these concerns is crucial to promote sports development, nurture talent, and ensure efficient utilization of public funds.
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