NA committee urges PFF to align constitution with FIFA rules to boost football development

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) has urged the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) to revise its constitution and internal rules so they conform fully with FIFA regulations, calling the move essential for sustainable growth of the sport in Pakistan.

The recommendation came during an IPC meeting at Parliament House chaired by Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto. The PFF President briefed the committee on recent performance and plans, highlighting that the national team had won a trophy at an international event for the first time — a development the committee described as encouraging for domestic football.

Governance, infrastructure and talent drive

Committee members were told that the PFF had been largely inactive for a considerable period but held elections about one year ago under FIFA direction, resulting in new leadership. However, certain provisions in the federation’s existing constitution and rules still require amendment to meet FIFA standards, and steps are being taken to bring the legal framework into conformity.

Alongside governance reforms, the PFF stressed the need to rehabilitate and develop football infrastructure nationwide. Officials described the reconstruction of grounds, academies and related facilities in every province as fundamental to long-term progress, and noted a Talent Hunt Programme is under way to identify promising players across the country.

The Standing Committee directed the PFF to strengthen coordination with provincial sports departments so the federation can participate actively in provincial schemes and initiatives for sports promotion.

Haripur sports complex and site review

The committee also recommended establishing a state-of-the-art sports complex on Wapda land in District Haripur. A Wapda representative cautioned that the proposed site may lie within a potential flood passage, prompting the committee to order a technical feasibility review.

A joint committee will be formed, including representatives from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Wapda, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the concerned Member of the National Assembly and other stakeholders. That joint committee has been asked to assess the site’s practicality and submit its report to the Standing Committee within one month.

Officials from the ministry and its attached departments attended the meeting. The following MNAs were present:

• Babar Nawaz Khan
• Anjum Aqeel Khan
• Sheikh Aftab Ahmad
• Waseem Qadir
• Pir Ameer Ali Shah Jeelani
• Haji Rasool Bux Chandio
• Syeda Shehla Raza
• Khushal Khan Kakar

The committee welcomed the national team’s recent success and reiterated that aligning PFF’s constitution with FIFA rules, improving infrastructure and expanding talent identification are key steps toward strengthening football across Pakistan.