PSB Faces Controversial Transfers Ahead of New DG Appointment, Legal Challenges Loom
Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) witnessed a whirlwind of administrative changes this week, as a series of high level transfers and postings shook the institution just a day before the new Director General, Mr. Yawar Hussain, was set to assume office. Official documents obtained from the PSB reveal that these appointments and transfers appear strategically orchestrated, drawing attention to the role of key figures within the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) and raising questions about procedural transparency and merit based governance.
Central to the reshuffle is Mr. Shahid Islam, previously inactive for over two years, who wrecently appointed as Deputy Director General (Facilities) and simultaneously entrusted with the additional charge of Deputy Director General (Technical). Alongside him, several other officers were assigned pivotal roles: Mr. Awais Kerni of IPC was confirmed as DDG Administration; Mr. Ehtesham, originally an IT specialist at the National Institute of Public Administration, became Director Administration; Mr. Taqi Bosan, a junior superintendent, assumed the role of Director Hostels; Mr. Muhammad Usman, Accountant, was assigned Director (Accounts); and Ms. Shabana Khattak was transferred from Administration to an unspecified role in line with the new structure.
The sudden elevation of officers into positions that traditionally require seniority and specific qualifications has raised eyebrows internally. Mr. Shahid Islam’s appointment to grade 19 positions is reportedly under litigation in the Supreme Court, and the decision to position Mr. Taqi Bosan, a junior superintendent, as Director Hostels contradicts standard civil service rules. Similarly, the induction of Mr. Ehtesham into a senior administrative role, despite Supreme Court restrictions on placing civil servants in non civil service posts, has been described as unconventional by PSB insiders.
Further scrutiny points to a pattern these appointments create a team seemingly aligned to work directly with the Secretary IPC, potentially bypassing traditional reporting channels within the PSB. Sources indicate that this configuration may complicate the authority of the newly appointed DG, Yawar Hussain, should he attempt to reverse these decisions. Observers say the move could consolidate influence around specific ministry priorities, raising concerns about institutional autonomy and governance norms.
The shake up extends to other parts of the organization as well. Mr. Muhammad Akram Bhatti, formerly Accountant, was posted as Director of the PSB Coaching Centre in Peshawar while retaining his accounting responsibilities. Mr. Nasrullah Rana moved from Director Hostels to Director (NF), with Mr. Ghulam Taqi Khan Bosan taking over Hostels responsibilities. Deputy Director General (Facilities) BPS-19 Mr. Muhammad Shahid was given the additional charge of Dy. Director General (Technical) for three months with a 20% allowance, highlighting the extensive concentration of authority among a select few.
PSB officers and staff have reportedly expressed concern over the rapidity and concentration of these changes, calling for stricter adherence to merit, legal compliance, and transparent procedures to safeguard the integrity and operational efficiency of the national sports institution. The sequence of events, coming immediately before the formal induction of the new DG, has intensified discussions on internal governance, institutional accountability, and the potential long term impacts on PSB’s administrative culture.
While the official orders have been issued and distributed among key departments, stakeholders are closely watching the broader implications for administrative transparency, staff morale, and institutional coherence, especially in light of ongoing legal challenges associated with certain appointments. These developments mark a critical moment for PSB, raising urgent questions about governance, administrative strategy, and the balance between ministry oversight and organizational autonomy
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