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Showing posts from October, 2025

The Grounds Are Being Built, But Where Are the Athletes?

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow Digital Creator Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said in his first meeting that sports grounds will be made in all districts of the province. On the face of it, this is an extremely welcome statement. With a province that has the highest youth population, enhancing opportunities for sport is something to be welcomed. But the question that has to be asked is: Is it limited to just a statement, or is there serious planning involved? The question is not whether grounds are to be constructed or not. The question is: Does the Chief Minister realize that sport fields already exist in nearly every district? Although indeed a need where they are not, the province's actual problem is not lack of grounds, but lack of athletes, decay of the system, and sports politics. Over the last couple of years, numerous buildings, gymnasiums, courts, and stadiums were developed under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate. But a tour to these grounds...

Province Sports Directorate's Silence on Harassment Cases Raises Alarm: Calls for Independent Committee

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow Digital Creator PESHAWAR – Persistent silence on cases of harassment by coaches allegedly perpetrated has raised serious alarms among players and the general public. Doubts are now being raised if the Directorate is unaware of the alleged incidents or intentionally opting to keep them under wraps. Such silence, irrespective of intention, sends a troubling message that player security and justice do not find a place in the concerns of the organization. Disturbing reports indicate that there is no official committee in the Directorate to deal with complaints of harassment – neither for males nor females. This glaring void leaves victims without an apparent route to justice, with perpetrators going unpunished and without fear. Not only does it erode the credibility of the Directorate, but also the confidence of the athletes it is sworn to protect. Experts and rights advocates emphasize that any committee formed to investigate harassment must compri...

KP Sports Directorate Remains Mum about Harassment Cases, Demands Open and Independent Committee

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow Digital Creator It is unacceptable that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate has so far remained mum about harassment cases reported by a coach. This raises serious questions: is the Directorate unaware of the cases, or is it intentionally covering them up? Such silence conveys a worrying message that the organization does not care for the security and rights of their athletes. Surprisingly, the Directorate does not even have a formal committee to handle complaints of harassment, neither for women nor men. The absence of such mechanism means victims have nowhere to turn, while perpetrators of harassment act with impunity. Such a practice discredits the institution and significantly erodes athletes' trust. It is imperative that any committee constituted to look into harassment consists of members outside the Directorate. Only independent members are capable of ensuring open, unbiased decisions safeguarding the rights of victims. If the Spo...

Inter-School Sports Competitions Kick Off at City No. 1 Peshawar

  PESHAWAR , The inter-school sports competitions of District Peshawar officially began at City No. 1 Peshawar with a colorful opening ceremony. Secretary of Elementary Education, Khalid Khan , inaugurated the event by cutting the ribbon. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Education Department, teachers, and a large number of students. General Secretary Naveed Akhtar delivered the welcome address and highlighted the issues faced by the organizing committee. In his remarks, Secretary Khalid Khan praised the efforts of the young athletes and announced that the Education Department would coordinate with the Peshawar Board to ensure funding for future sports activities. The competitions began with a tug-of-war match, marking the formal start of the event. On the first day, students took part in badminton, volleyball, and kabaddi contests, showing great enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Khalid Khan urged students to maintain a balance between academics and spor...

KP Sports Directorate Remains Mum about Harassment Cases, Demands Open and Independent Committee

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow Digital Creator It is unacceptable that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate has so far remained mum about harassment cases reported by a coach. This raises serious questions: is the Directorate unaware of the cases, or is it intentionally covering them up? Such silence conveys a worrying message that the organization does not care for the security and rights of their athletes. Surprisingly, the Directorate does not even have a formal committee to handle complaints of harassment, neither for women nor men. The absence of such mechanism means victims have nowhere to turn, while perpetrators of harassment act with impunity. Such a practice discredits the institution and significantly erodes athletes' trust. It is imperative that any committee constituted to look into harassment consists of members outside the Directorate. Only independent members are capable of ensuring open, unbiased decisions safeguarding the rights of victims. If the Spo...

Pakistan Cricket: Transparency Issues and the Miseries of Players

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow , digital creator Pakistan cricket has been known to bring out the best in talent and world-class players. Nonetheless, over the past few years it has become apparent that a deficiency in basic transparency and administrative responsibility has not merely dissuaded players but also diluted public trust severely. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the nation's largest domestic competition, is one such example: the administration receives opulent paychecks and benefits while doing little to nothing for the well-being and basic amenities of the players. Take the uniform quality in Pakistan's largest tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, for instance—it's impossible to distinguish if the trousers are cricket pants or a loose traditional shalwar! And as for the fabric quality—well, let's just say it says a lot about the passion for cricket: salaries in crores and millions while everything else is overlooked. Sad! The issue was especially visible rec...

Bannu District Sports Association Releases Statement Seeking Urgent Action on Sports Matters

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow . digital Creator The Bannu District Sports Association has again underlined the urgent sports facility issues in the district and appealed to top authorities for prompt action. The association stressed implementing practical steps towards upgrading the infrastructure and services for athletes. The rent received from shops constructed alongside Bannu Hockey Stadium was meant to cover maintenance, repair, and operation expenses. But today, the majority of this income is being paid into the DG Office in Peshawar, with only 15–18% being directed to TMO Bannu. The association has called for this rent to be collected and spent directly by the Regional Sports Officer in Bannu. Because of regular electricity outages, turf and supply of drinking water to sports persons at the stadium suffer, subjecting turf worth millions of rupees to damage. The association suggests converting the tube well to solar power to provide continuous supply of water. A new ...

KP Sports Directorate: Where Pending Cases and Concealed Agendas Deter Talent

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow . digital Creator Sports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are meant to be a youth development platform, discovery of talent, and source of pride for citizens. Sadly, the truth is a narrative of delays, secrecy, and corruption charges. The recent turn of events in the KP Sports Directorate indicates that officials here might be more concerned with personal wealth generation than public service, leaving athletes and communities vulnerable to systemic abandonment. Take the case of the former Regional Sports Officer (RSO) from Bannu, now promoted as chief coach in Peshawar. Pending investigations linked to his tenure remain unresolved. Such delays are not accidental—they reflect an institutional culture where accountability is negotiable, and misconduct can flourish behind closed doors. Local sources in Bannu report that certain officials purchased shops and business premises in their relatives' names, subsequently selling them at inflated costs for personal g...

PCB's Coach Recruitment in Doubt — Level-II Coaches Ignored as Criteria Unknowingly Changed

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow. digital Creator Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) latest recruitment exercise for coaches has raised eyebrows over fairness and transparency after some qualified candidates alleged they were ignored despite satisfying the requirements advertised. One applicant says, "I had applied for the coaching position advertised by the PCB. When the interviews were scheduled, I waited for a call, but it never came. When I phoned the PCB, they informed me that they were now shortlisting Level-I coaches who have a minimum of 10 First-Class matches." The candidate further added, "That condition was not specified in the initial advertisement. It was given clearly in the advertisement that preference would be given to Level-II coaches. I am also a Level-II coach and have played seven First-Class matches, but I was not even invited for an interview." Other coaches have purportedly been saddled with the same issue, complaining about a sudden sh...

Peshawar Police Encourages Sports and Teamwork – DAR Kotwali Emerges Police Cricket Tournament Final Winner

    Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow . digital Creator Peshawar – Peshawar Capital City Police is once again at the forefront, not only of maintaining law and order but also of encouraging healthy and positive activity among its staff. In a true spirit, the final of a cricket tournament was organized today at Malik Saad Shaheed Police Lines where different police teams participated with full enthusiasm. In the thrilling last game, the DAR Kotwali team won and took home the championship trophy. Javed Aziz Khan, the chief guest, awarded the trophy to the winning team and handed over the cash awards to the outstanding players for their breathtaking performances. Addressing the event, CCPO Peshawar Dr. Mian Saeed Ahmad appreciated the zeal and commitment of the police contingents, adding that Peshawar Police not only combats crime and protects citizens but also reflects exemplary teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship in practice. He underlined that such positive activities p...

New Game at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate: Pilfered Taps, Lost Equipment, and Institutional Silence

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow DIGITAL   creator In recent months, a peculiar trend has been evident at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate. Taps and plumbing fittings go missing from the hockey ground toilets one day, equipment from the second-floor toilet adjacent to the Accounts Office the next; and then, on a holiday such as Eid, taps from the squash court "are taken out for cleaning." The surprising thing is that this is all going on in an institution where 24-hour round-the-clock watching is allegedly being done through CCTV cameras, with all the video footage instantly accessible in the Director General (DG) Sports' office. The first experience was even near the hockey ground, where fittings and taps went missing from nine bathrooms instead of one. Nobody paid attention, and nobody reported it. It's as if the hockey ground is not only for sport but also for learning the art of silence. With everyone being "of the highest integrity," maybe no...

Peshawar Schools Initiate Big Sports Campaign on October 27

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow DIGITAL   creator Peshawar is preparing to launch a grand sports festival for schools to be held from October 24, which will be a great display of upcoming sporting stars from all over the district. Students from various schools will be participating in a wide variety of sports activities, such as cricket, football, volleyball, table tennis, and running track and field events. To oversee the enormous task, the most important appointments have been made. Government Higher Secondary School Nanakpura's Principal Naveed Akhtar has been appointed as Secretary, with Khursheed Iqbal as Deputy General Secretary for the events. The organizing committee has already started making arrangements at major venues such as the Peshawar Sports Complex and the Peshawar Board grounds. But the organizers encountered an early setback. They recently tried to arrange access to Islamia College grounds but were regrettably refused a meeting with the college administ...

The Invisible Challenge: Afghan Refugee Athletes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow Digital Creator Peshawar sports complexes, Hayatabad, Abdul Wali Khan Charsadda, Bannu, Kohat, and Swabi—these are where the energy and capabilities of the youth should be utilized to make the country's face radiant. But a formidable reality unfolds on these grounds: active involvement of many Afghan refugee players, especially in martial arts and boxing. The heart of the issue is that they are invisible: there is no official official information on their numbers, gender, skill level, or coaching arrangements. Neither the Provincial Sports Directorate nor any related sports body has complete information. This stark data deficiency is not merely an oversight; it is a significant barrier to sound policy-making. If a government agency cannot tell how many Afghan refugee competitors are involved in all the sports, the effect is at three vital levels. First, the security and rights of such athletes are undermined. Unregistered players usually do not en...

The Empty Arenas: How the Cradle of Sports Died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

  Musarrat Ullah Jan KikxNow – Digital Creator Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was not just a province; it was the "cradle of sports." It was the land that gifted Pakistan its legends in hockey, football, boxing, athletics, squash, and weightlifting. But today, the roar of the crowd has faded, replaced by an unsettling silence. The tradition is not just struggling—it is, by all accounts, on its deathbed. The victim in this tragic story is the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association (KPOA) , which represents 38 provincial sports organizations. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the KP government, citing financial constraints, has failed to release a single rupee of funding. This isn't just an administrative failure; it's a eulogy for the dreams of a generation. The neglect of KP's athletes stands in stark contrast to the support pouring into other provinces, exposing a deep-seated crisis of priority. According to data . Punjab government gives Granted $20 million (PKR...

Sports Development or "The Contractor League"?

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – KikxNow , digital creator Development work is supposed to be for the public good — to construct, enhance, and provide opportunity. But where "development" is a corruption playground, the only one that gets developed is one's bank account. Unfortunately, this is the tale of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate, where sports projects are now a championship of commissions. In 35 districts, dozens of sports facilities projects are technically "in progress." Paper-wise, the province is sprinting toward a rosy sporting future. But reality-wise, most fields are vacant, and most commitments are half-constructed — as are the walls of their purported development schemes. Among the largest of these initiatives is the "1,000 Sports Facilities Project," which aims to deliver sports infrastructure to all districts. It boasts Project Directors, Deputy Directors, Sub Engineers — a whole battalion of officers committed to "develop...

Uncertain Games: Silence, Delays, and Confusion Before December's National Games in Karachi

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – KikxNow , digital creator With weeks remaining until the National Games to be held in December in Karachi, confusion hangs heavy over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KPK) preparations. Nobody has an idea when the training camps will open, or whether the selection process has even commenced. Both the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association as well as the Provincial Sports Directorate, typically eager to proclaim progress, remain tight-lipped this time. The provincial cabinet has already cleared funds for both the Youth Games and National Games, but October 14 has come and gone without a single selection notice or camp announcement. The silence is deafening. Officials will, as usual, wake up at the last minute screaming "Bring home gold! " — but by then, it will be too late. Athletes are due their time to train, prepare, and proudly represent their province and country, not to be hurried into action after months of official disregard. Further adding to t...

Unfair Selection in Pakistan Jujitsu Team for Asian Youth Games — MMA Fighter Allegedly Added Under False Category

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow Digital Creator Peshawar: Serious irregularities have reportedly surfaced in the selection of Pakistan’s Jujitsu team for the upcoming Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain. According to sources, an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter has allegedly been included in the Jujitsu team through deceptive means. Sources reveal that the concerned athlete actually belongs to MMA and has no formal connection or competitive background in Jujitsu. Despite this, he has been added to the Jujitsu lineup, depriving genuine athletes who have trained for years and represented Pakistan at national events. Reports suggest that the player will compete in MMA events in Bahrain but will represent Pakistan under the banner of the Jujitsu team, which raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness. Internal documents reportedly list him as a Jujitsu athlete, which violates basic selection norms and sporting integrity. Coaches and athletes within the Jujitsu communit...

RTI Filed on Tourism Police Motorbike Usage and Fuel Expenditures in KP

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow Digital Creator A formal request for information has been submitted under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act, 2013, seeking details about the distribution, usage, fuel consumption, and deployment of Tourism Police motorbikes, particularly in Peshawar. The application requests data on the total fuel consumed by Tourism Police motorcycles in each district over the past 12 months, along with a monthly breakdown of fuel usage per bike. It also asks for details of the total fuel budget allocated and the amount utilized during this period. Information has been sought on the current number of Tourism Police personnel posted in key tourist districts, including Peshawar, Abbottabad (Galyat), Mansehra (Kaghan), Swat (Upper Swat), Chitral (Kalash), and Upper Dir (Kumrat). The request specifically asks for the names, designations, and daily duties of officers stationed in Peshawar. The RTI also seeks details about the six motorcycles assigned...

Questions Raised Over KPCTA PRO Appointment: RTI Request Pending Since April, Complaint No. 12536 Filed

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow Digital Creator Serious questions have emerged regarding the appointment of the Public Relations Officer (PRO) at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA). A citizen filed an application under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act (RTI) in April 2025, requesting documents related to the PRO’s appointment — but to date, no response has been received. The applicant has also filed a complaint with the KP Information Commission under complaint number 12536. The information requested included: the current PRO’s name, appointment date, copies of educational certificates, the advertisement under which the position was advertised, the total number of applications received, interview dates, details of the selection committee, and certified copies of all related documents. However, since April, KPCTA has neither provided any documents nor issued an official response. Under the KP RTI Act, public bodies are required to provide...

Six Months Later, RTI Application on KP Sports Activities Still Unanswered — Complaint Filed with Information Commission

  Musarrat Ullah Jan – Kikxnow Digital Creator An official information request under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act, 2013, submitted in April 2025, has still gone unanswered after more than six months — leading the applicant to file an official complaint (No. 12473) with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission. The application, made to the Public Information Officer in the Office of the Director General, Cultural and Tourism Authority (CTA), asked for specific information regarding all sporting events held by the Sports Directorate in the fiscal years 2023–24 and 2024–25. The RTI request sought a detailed list of events, location information, organizing agencies, media coverage details (names of journalists and news organizations), reasons for non-coverage where provided, and total financial analyses of each event, including public spending, media facilitation, and logistics. In spite of the explicit provisions of the RTI Act — mandating that a public...

The Bannu 'Dogs FC': When Vacant Offices Turn Sports Complexes into Dog Parks

  Musarrat Ulalh Jan – Kikxnow Digital Creator The Bannu Sports Complex, meant to be a hub of athletic excellence, has become an embarrassing symbol of official neglect. The latest footage, which has since gone viral, captures the absurdity: a pack of stray dogs leisurely roaming and playing on the pristine football field during what were slated to be national-level matches. It's a scene that is both comical and deeply tragic, perfectly illustrating the collapse of sports governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The root of this spectacle is not the animals, but the absent human officials. The Regional Sports Office (RSO) Bannu has been completely deserted for over a month. The Directorate of Sports recently restructured its management, replacing the local District Sports Officers (DSOs) with the powerful Regional Sports Officers (RSOs). This structure concentrates all authority into a single post. When that key post remains vacant, the entire athletic ecosystem in the region simp...

The Graveyard of Dreams: How Corruption and Silence Crushed Sports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

  Musarrat Ulalh Jan – Kikxnow Digital Creator The Game of Silence: Inside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Collapsed Sports Directorate In the cold, cavernous corridors of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate, silence isn't a lack of noise—it is the sound of absolute rot. Here, files gather dust like tombstones, multi-million rupee projects crumble into disuse, and officials navigate their day with the chilling calm of people who have perfected the art of strategic, profitable incompetence. For years, this Directorate was supposed to be the engine of youth development, a forge for future champions. Instead, it has become a graveyard of public trust, where every scandal is met not with accountability, but with a deliberate, deafening silence. It began with futsal. A group of individuals, masquerading as Pakistani players using fake credentials, allegedly leveraged Directorate connections to travel to the US via Colombia. The goal wasn't to compete, but to smuggle people. Whe...