Serious allegations of large-scale corruption have emerged within the Gilgit-Baltistan Sports Board after the contingent sent to the 35th National Games in Karachi raised questions about both selection and spending. Local athletes and youth say the affair points to systematic misuse of funds and a lack of transparency in team formation.
Sources say more than 136 players from Gilgit-Baltistan were expected to participate across male and female categories. Sports Board Secretary Zameer Abbas reportedly allocated Rs 5 million for players’ kits including tracksuits, trousers and socks, and another Rs 5 million was approved for transportation and food expenses.
Despite that budget, the contingent has been accused of including between 30 and 40 individuals from other provinces who were allegedly registered as GB athletes. Protesters claim this practice represents blatant Gilgit-Baltistan corruption and has deprived local players of opportunities and resources that were earmarked for them.
Players and youth across the region are demanding answers about how many genuine GB athletes appear in the official photos and records, why outsiders were added at the expense of local talent, and where the remaining allotted budget was spent if private individuals were included in the squad.
Strong protests have been reported from Diamer, Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Astore and Ghizer, with youth and athletes expressing deep frustration and anger over what they describe as the misappropriation of millions of rupees under the pretext of National Games participation.
Protesters have formally appealed to Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan Abrar Ahmed Mirza and DG Anti-Corruption Mir Waqar Ahmed, calling for an immediate and strict investigation. They have warned that if clear action is not taken against those responsible, the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan will resort to large-scale street demonstrations to seek accountability.
The unfolding allegations have intensified scrutiny on the GB Sports Board and increased pressure on provincial authorities to address claims of Gilgit-Baltistan corruption swiftly to restore trust among local athletes and communities.
