European Turf in PC-1, Chinese Turf on Ground? Serious Questions Raised Over Parachinar Hockey Turf Project

 

 

Four-Year Delay, Inspection Objections, and Controversial Approval Spark Calls for Judicial Inquiry

Musarrat Ullah Jan , Kikxnow , digital creator

PESHAWAR: Serious concerns have emerged regarding the newly installed hockey turf in Parachinar, with sources alleging that the project may have deviated from its original specifications approved under the PC-1.

According to sources, the hockey turf project was originally approved with a European-manufactured turf. However, officials and individuals familiar with the project claim that a Chinese-manufactured turf has instead been installed, raising questions about compliance with approved standards and procurement procedures.

The project was reportedly scheduled for completion in 2022 but was finally installed in 2026 after a delay of nearly four years. At the time, authorities cited security concerns and prevailing law-and-order conditions as major reasons for the delay. Critics now question the justification for the prolonged postponement, arguing that the project remained stalled despite repeated assurances.

Since Parachinar falls under the jurisdiction of the Merged Districts Sports Directorate, the project is being overseen by that directorate. However, sources claim that the final technical approval was granted by two Grade-19 officers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate, a development that has reportedly created unease among officials responsible for managing sports facilities in the merged districts.

According to insiders, concerns are being expressed that if future investigations uncover irregularities, the burden of accountability may fall on officials currently managing the facility, while key technical decisions and approvals were issued elsewhere.

Adding to the controversy, sources reveal that an inspection team had previously visited the site and reportedly identified deficiencies in the hockey turf, which was allegedly transferred from Kohat. The findings reportedly highlighted concerns regarding the quality and condition of the turf.

Despite those observations, the project subsequently moved forward and the turf was eventually installed. Questions are now being raised about how a facility that allegedly faced technical objections later received official approval.

Sports stakeholders argue that the entire project should undergo an independent technical audit and forensic examination to determine whether the installed turf meets the specifications outlined in the approved PC-1 and whether procurement and inspection procedures were properly followed.

They have called upon the Adviser to the Chief Minister on Sports and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to order a high-level judicial inquiry into the matter. According to sports circles, such an investigation is necessary to establish responsibility, ensure transparency, and determine whether public funds were utilized according to approved standards.

Critics further contend that if deviations from the approved design, material specifications, or inspection recommendations are proven, accountability should rest with the officials who authorized and certified the project.

The controversy has once again highlighted broader concerns regarding oversight, transparency, and quality control in sports infrastructure projects across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's merged districts.

As demands for an inquiry grow louder, one question remains unanswered: Were Parachinar's young hockey players provided with the quality facility promised under the project, or has another public sports scheme become mired in allegations of mismanagement and questionable decision-making?

 

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