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 comprise members independent of the Directorate. Only independent members can ensure transparent, impartial investigations that genuinely safeguard the rights of victims. Without independence, any internal committee risks bias, leaving victims vulnerable and disillusioned.

Inaction against harassment is not only a moral failure, but it also raises serious questions of law. Denying athletes their rights, refusing to prosecute perpetrators, and shunning openness are grounds for gross negligence. If such actions continue, the Directorate exposes itself to legal censure, public backlash, and the loss of trust from the very people it is charged with protecting.

Urgent action must be taken. The Directorate should institute an open, independent body with the mandate to thoroughly investigate harassment grievances. The organisation should provide severe safeguards for complainants, maintain confidentiality, and sanction perpetrators quickly. In addition, all steps and conclusions ought to be made public in order to show accountability and restore confidence.

Inaction on harassment cases not only impacts individual athletes but also damages the institution's reputation. Public perception of the Directorate's inaction can result in legal repercussions, media attention, and public pressure. On the other hand, taking strong and open measures can regain athlete trust, foster a culture of safety, and enhance the Directorate's credibility.

Preventing harassment does not just mean legal remedies. The Directorate also needs to set up awareness programs, ethics training for coaches, and workshops sensitizing the staff. This will make athletes feel safe, promote reporting, and create a professional environment that can support both personal and sporting development.

In short, the Provincial Sports Directorate's inability to deal with harassment in a timely manner undermines trust among athletes, puts the institution in the dock, and may have long-term implications for sports development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The formation of an autonomous, transparent committee and taking tangible protective measures is necessary not only for justice but for the integrity of sport in the province.

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