KARACHI: The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSF) has appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan and Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Fehmida Mirza to intervene and redress difficulties and problems faced by it and the national snooker players who have been consistently winning laurels for the nation since last many years.

In a statement the PBSF recalled the achievements of cueist Mohammad Asif, who has won world title twice — in 2012 and 2019. Unfortunately, no cash award has been announced by the government till date.

Similarly, other top cueists who had also won laurels during the last two years were also not rewarded by the government the statement said and added that a proper cash award policy for medal winners should be devised by the government.

The PBSF deplored that due to stoppage of annual grants to all the sports federations since last two years the sports activities in the country are constantly on the decline and ample funds are required from the government for the sports sector.

“The Pakistan Sports Board does not have a permanent director general, since last two years, due to which no consistent sports policy could be formulated,” the statement added.

“The paucity of funds has compelled PBSF to cut down its administrative staff and are facing financial constraints to pay office rent and utilities besides the top cueists eligible to receive their monthly honorarium have also suffered.

“The PBSF is facing acute financial crisis as no funds have been released since last July and if the funds already spent by the federation from its own resources for participation of the Pakistan snooker team in various international competitions during the financial period 2019-2020, are not released before June 30, it would lapse and thus we will not be able to survive and run the affairs of the federation.

“We request the prime minister and the IPC minister to look into the matter and issue necessary instructions for release of funds before June 30,” the statement concluded.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2020