Habib Shah Suspended for 10 Years Over Constitutional Breaches
ISLAMABAD — The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has taken strong disciplinary action to uphold transparency and integrity within the organization, imposing a lifetime ban on Salman Butt, coach of star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, over what it described as “serious violations” of the federation’s constitution.
The decision was made during an Executive Committee meeting held on October 10, 2025, chaired by Brigadier (R) Wajahat Hussain, President of the AFP. The committee also handed a 10-year suspension to Habib Shah, the former Secretary of the Punjab Athletics Association, for breaching constitutional provisions and engaging in actions deemed detrimental to the federation’s credibility.
According to a detailed statement issued by the AFP, Salman Butt who previously served as an office-bearer of the Punjab Athletics Association was found guilty of multiple constitutional violations, despite being a signatory to the very rules he disregarded. The federation ruled that Butt will no longer be allowed to participate in any athletics-related activities as an athlete, coach, official, or administrator at both national and international levels.
Similarly, Habib Shah’s 10-year ban prevents him from holding any role within athletics circles during the suspension period.
The AFP also declared the Punjab Athletics Association’s elections, held on August 31, 2025, as “illegal, unconstitutional, and null and void from the outset.” The elections were announced just two days before being held on the night of August 29 a move that blatantly violated the AFP Constitution, which requires at least 21 days’ notice before an election meeting and seven days for nomination submissions.
Adding to the controversy, even the Senior Vice President of the Punjab Athletics Association was reportedly unaware of the election schedule until August 30, just a day before the polls further highlighting the lack of transparency and procedural compliance.
Terming these actions a “deliberate attempt to undermine the Constitution of the AFP,” the Executive Committee warned that such practices would not be tolerated in the future.
To restore order and credibility, the AFP has appointed a Management Committee, headed by Madam Shahida Khanum, Senior Vice President of the federation, to oversee fresh, transparent, and constitutionally valid elections for the Punjab Athletics Association. Until the elections are completed, this committee will handle the association’s day-to-day affairs.
President Wajahat Hussain reaffirmed that the Athletics Federation of Pakistan will operate strictly under its constitutional framework, emphasizing that no individual or group will be allowed to act above the law.
“The AFP remains committed to integrity, unity, and discipline for the promotion of athletics and the welfare of athletes across Pakistan,” the statement concluded.
