LAHORE: The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has suspended the affiliation of the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) after three athletes had tested positive in South Asian Games held in Nepal last year.

“Athletics Federation of Pakistan has been suspended with POA (NOC PAKISTAN). Athletes of sports of Athletics, except from those banned for doping offences, shall be facilitated to secure athlete’s right to participate in international or national events/programmes of POA in particular the Olympic or regional Games during the course of suspension of AFP,” said a press release issued by POA here on Tuesday.

“For reinstatement of membership, AFP has been advised to comply with conditions prepared in accordance with the applicable rules and guidelines including establishment of whistleblowing programme, awareness campaigns and adoption of polices and rules that mitigate the risk of doping in the sports of athletics.

“It is most unfortunate that AFP refused to cooperate with the Probe Committee. However, it has been ascertained that AFP failed to implement proper anti-doping policies evident from the three anti-doping violations in one international competition. These positive cases are detrimental for the Olympic Movement of Pakistan as doping practices propagates negative image of the country and that of the Olympic Movement.

“Anti-Doping Rules Violations are an undesirable and unacceptable activity that brings discredit to the country and Olympic Movement of Pakistan. Three doping failures in one international competition also establish that AFP is not in a position to ensure compliance of its athletes with the relevant anti-doping regulations, therefore recognition/membership of Athletics Federation of Pakistan has been suspended with POA (NOC PAKISTAN),” the press release said.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2020