ISLAMABAD: Sudden Transfer of IPC Secretary Raises Questions
With numerous thorny sports issues, mostly relating to development and setting things in order, especially in football and hockey, about to get settled, Federal Secretary of Inter-Provincial Coordination Ahmed Hanif Orakzai has been transferred from his position.
The change of guards at the helm of IPC Ministry may affect the outcome of some serious issues, including Pakistan’s expected presentation to FIFA scheduled for next month. The sudden transfer orders of a seasoned and one of the most respected bureaucrats may affect shaping up the policy matters for future sports promotion and distribution of responsibilities and workload.
The Ministry and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have a crucial meeting scheduled with FIFA next month. With the outgoing secretary having prepared all the groundwork for such a meeting that could ensure the return of $15 million pending with FIFA back to Pakistan, the transfer decision could well see starting things back from scratch.
The new PSB constitution and some changes in hockey and cricket according to ground realities were also on cards, which now are expected to receive a new beginning. Some issues relating to the controversy surrounding his transfer began with an Office Memorandum dated 23rd November 2023, revealing that one Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination had corresponded directly with an organizer of the SCO Forum 2023, seeking funding for the official visit to Urumqi, China.
This move, deemed a violation of Rule 56 of the Rules of Business, 1973, led to embarrassment for Pakistan, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That official then requested air tickets from the government exchequer, a request not formally approved by the Secretary. Subsequently, that particular secretary directly contacted the event organizer through his private email, requesting funding for their travel.
The controversy deepened as the Office Memorandum highlighted that despite clear orders from the Secretary, IPC, that officer in the Ministry continued corresponding, leading to the Ministry deeming his services no more required. This decision was endorsed by the Secretary of the IPC. What adds another layer to the situation is the transfer of Federal Secretary Ahmed Hanif Orakzai.
One of the major credits going to Orakzai was streamlining the Gun Club affairs, which is now working smoothly. For the first time, unlike the PTI government era, the Ministry, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) were seen working jointly to sort out issues confronting sports in the country. But now things may get a fresh turn. If not, it is believed that making progress in the right direction would be a tough ask for Nadeem Irshad Kayani who has been posted as the Secretary IPC in his place.
