IPC unfazed by suspension threats
Officials to attend IOC meeting today to decide Pakistan’s fate.
The official revealed that the government is keeping its options open for any decision from the international body, whether it allows the operations under the government’s rules or is banned. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
KARACHI:
Despite a possible ban looming over the country, the officials of the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) will stand firm in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting for solely recognising the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) led by Akram Sahi.
The Express Tribune has learnt that an important meeting had taken place between the IPC, government and the Sahi-led POA officials to devise a strategy for the IOC meeting to be held Thursday in Lausanne, Switzerland.
IPC Secretary Chaudry Ijaz and Additional Secretary Amir Tariq Zaman will attend the meeting.
“Despite the ban approaching, IPC will stand firm on its stance that the government does not recognise Arif Hasan’s POA and only Sahi’s POA is legitimate in our eyes,” said an IPC official.
“Both the minister and secretary of the IPC will clearly tell the IOC that the new POA came into formation after orders from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, while a resolution has been passed in the Senate which states that the government-backed POA is the right body for promoting sports in the country.”
‘Government will fight its case if Pakistan is banned’
The official further revealed that the government is keeping its options open for any decision from the international body, whether it allows the operations under the government’s rules or is banned.
“Our first priority will be to convince the IOC that we cannot overrule the decisions of our honourable Supreme Court and the resolution of the Senate,” he said.
“If that does not help and Pakistan’s membership is suspended by the IOC, then we’ll take legal route for a quick resolution.
“At least this way we may be able to participate in important international events under Pakistan’s colours.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 19th, 2014.
Despite a possible ban looming over the country, the officials of the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) will stand firm in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting for solely recognising the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) led by Akram Sahi.
The Express Tribune has learnt that an important meeting had taken place between the IPC, government and the Sahi-led POA officials to devise a strategy for the IOC meeting to be held Thursday in Lausanne, Switzerland.
IPC Secretary Chaudry Ijaz and Additional Secretary Amir Tariq Zaman will attend the meeting.
“Despite the ban approaching, IPC will stand firm on its stance that the government does not recognise Arif Hasan’s POA and only Sahi’s POA is legitimate in our eyes,” said an IPC official.
“Both the minister and secretary of the IPC will clearly tell the IOC that the new POA came into formation after orders from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, while a resolution has been passed in the Senate which states that the government-backed POA is the right body for promoting sports in the country.”
‘Government will fight its case if Pakistan is banned’
The official further revealed that the government is keeping its options open for any decision from the international body, whether it allows the operations under the government’s rules or is banned.
“Our first priority will be to convince the IOC that we cannot overrule the decisions of our honourable Supreme Court and the resolution of the Senate,” he said.
“If that does not help and Pakistan’s membership is suspended by the IOC, then we’ll take legal route for a quick resolution.
“At least this way we may be able to participate in important international events under Pakistan’s colours.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 19th, 2014.