November 8, 2001	Thursday	Shaba’an 21, 1422

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KARACHI, Nov 7: Country’s sporting legends Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan and Zaheer Abbas were officially handed over retirement letters by the national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The three sportsmen, who earned laurels for the country on countless occasions, were unceremoniously shown the door when they were handed over letters by the junior staff. The three were General Managers.

The attitude of the establishment to the legends, who have been decorated with Pride of Performance awards, didn’t end here. At least Jahangir Khan was Wednesday told that he had only two days to remove his belongings from his office.

There were reports that the PIA was planning to shut down the sports complex which, ironically, has been named after Jahangir. The complex is the hub of budding youngsters activities who sharpen their skills under the nose of Jahangir.

The legendary trio has been asked to clear their dues and go home with two months advanced salary.

The sudden change in PIA’s attitude rings alarm bells for hundreds of sportsmen as the national carrier had been the biggest promoter and supporter of the sportsmen..

The debatable decision springs uncertainty amongst other PIA sportsmen who are presently appointed on contractual basis.

“If PIA can fire Jahangir, Jansher and Zaheer, I wonder if I would ever get a job after serving there for the last eight years,” a PIA cricketer said on the condition of anonymity.

The decision will surely affect the up-and-coming boys who have always looked at Jahangir, Jansher and Zaheer as their role models. By firing the trio, the PIA have passed on the message to the youngsters that their future was not in sports, at least.

Zaheer is a former Pakistan captain and was as run-scoring machine during his playing days. Jansher won the British Open six time and eight World Opens.

But Jahangir is head and shoulders above everyone. Undoubtedly the greatest sportsman of the country, he has won a record 10 British Open titles, six World Open titles and remained unbeatable for little under six years.

Jahangir is probably the only sportsman in whose honour Pakistan government released stamps which his picture on it.

“Of course I am heart-broken. After having given my everything to the country and to PIA, I don’t deserve this treatment,” Jahangir, who turns 37 on December 12, said.

“My pride and dignity has been hurt. Looking back at my career, I today regret why I rejected lucrative offers to settle down abroad. Today I am having a feeling that I don’t belong to this system and culture,” the humble Jahangir said.

Jahangir, Jansher and Zaheer are Pakistan’s pride and honour.

They are country’s hero have raised the green flag wherever they played. And after doing wonders throughout their careers, if this is the treatment they deserve, well, then its better that sports should be banned in the country.