KARACHI, July 24: The secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Brig Musarratullah Khan, has reiterated that he will not step down as he enjoys the confidence of council and PHF president.

“I am an elected secretary and will complete the term until it expires in 2006 and as long as I enjoy the confidence of council and PHF president,” he told newsmen on Sunday.

He criticized media for making personal criticism against him.” Why I am being singled out as the decisions were taken by 14 people including the PHF chief, Tariq Kirmani,” he asked.

Addressing a press conference at the Hockey Club of Pakistan stadium he said his predecessors, including Brig M.H. Atif and Col Mudassar Asghar, had not set the precedent by relinquishing the charge when the team performed poorly time and again in the international competitions.

The PHF secretary said “he was not calling the shots alone so why he should set tradition by stepping down.”

Defending his case, he said Pakistan have won only three major titles in the last 21 years since 1984, created history by finishing 11th at the 1986 World Cup, skipped the 2000 Champions Trophy by securing last position in the 1999 competition, but not body resigned.

The PHF secretary who met Mr Kirmani the other day said the future line of action will be decided in the first week of next month after submission of reports by the selection committee and the team management.

He said changes were in the offing and those found responsible for the debacle would be penalized. He disclosed that the present management of junior team would be given no responsibility in future.