Peshawar Cricket Academy Turned into 'BBQ Point': Public Protests at Alleged Misuse of Public Property

 

 

A state-owned sports academy, Maazullah Khan Cricket Academy in Peshawar, under the administration of Directorate of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), has faced heat following a video of an exclusive clash of "Tikka Party" hosted inside its compound going viral on social media. There is a bonfire, food, and party depicted in the footage, and such visuals outraged large sections of people, sportsmen, and parts of society at large.

The viral video explicitly shows the grounds of the academy being utilized for a late-night private party, with a bonfire and a lavish food arrangement. The party had been organized by International Cricketer Haris (probably a cricket coach or ex-player Haris) along with his coach, who had verbally applied for permission for a meal party for players.

Public outcry has been quick and intense. People are wondering if such private parties at a government sports academy amount to an outright disregard for rules and regulations. The main function of the academy is to offer training, facilities, and a suitable environment to young athletes, not as a venue for private parties or leisure activities.

Issues have also been raised over the Directorate of Sports KPK's consistent argument of a "lack of funds," and at the same time permitting private parties on public land. It has also been established that renovation of the academy and construction of the pitches were done with the help of the Zalmi Foundation, further fueling queries over its use by private parties.

Legal analysts confirm that unauthorized use of an institutional asset after working hours is not just ethically wrong but may even be a breach of code of conduct, fire safety protocols, and city municipality bylaws.

The episode illustrates a number of probable violations of general legal rules and regulations for the use of public assets in Pakistan:

General Financial Rules (GFRs): They cover government spending and financial management. Public funds or assets can't be used for the advantage of an individual or a group under GFRs unless it is exempted by policy or law. Using the academy's electricity, water, furniture, or other amenities for a private party without authorized compensation could be an unauthorized use of public resources.

Loss to National Exchequer: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has time and again stressed that "rulers spent public money as their own. Financial situation of the government is poor for this very reason. This money is [public], and not personal money of the rulers." In this regard, holding a party at the academy without official sanction and payment could be viewed as an indirect loss to the national exchequer.

Every government official, including sports department officials and coaches of the academy, are subject to a certain code of conduct. This code requires professional ethics and respect for public property. Utilization of the academy for personal purposes after working hours may be accounted as a violation.

Abuse of Authority: If the administrator provided verbal authorization, it will be examined whether they had the right to do so and whether it was an abuse of authority.

Provinces in Pakistan tend to have legislation on the use, protection, and management of public property. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would probably also have its own Public Property Act or legislation on the use of public government sports facilities. Within such an act, using public property for any other purpose than its principal one, or without official authorization, might be illegal.

The fact that an international cricketer was involved in this incident poses the question: Are those who are involved with international cricket above the law? The rule of law principle is equally applicable to all Pakistani citizens, irrespective of their occupation or social class. Neither any international level nor national level player, nor coach, should be above the rules and regulations; their job, on the other hand, is to serve as an example for young generations.

The silence on the part of top officials of the Sports Department KPK has only added to the complexity of the issue. Public spheres are calling for a clear and thorough investigation to:

Come up with clear policies and an effective monitoring system to avoid private usage of government sports complexes in the future.This incident serves as a stark reminder that ensuring the proper and transparent use of public assets is a fundamental responsibility of state institutions.

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