LAHORE: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has sent letters to Lahore DCO and CCPO informing them that the legal custodian of the Olympic House in Lahore is the body of the Pakistan Olympic Association headed by retired Lt Gen Arif Hasan.

The POA group headed by Akram Sahi has been functioning in the Olympic House for the last one year with the support of the PSB. But now the government has made a commitment with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it will support only Arif Hasan-led POA.

The Akram Sahi group is still functioning from the Olympic House. The group also held its executive committee meeting in the house on Saturday without inviting the media.

The same group has not given its reaction on the govt’s latest stance. However, it has announced a press conference on Monday without deciding specific time for it.

The PSB said in the letter: “Since the recognition/affiliation of an NOC in a country is the sole prerogative of IOC and IOC recognises POA headed by retired Lt Gen Arif Hasan, therefore there is only one legal and recognised NOC in Pakistan.

“Any notification, letters or circulars previously issued against or contrary to this recognition of the POA, headed by Arif Hasan as valid POA, are hereby withdrawn and stands cancelled with immediate effect.

“Similarly, this office letter No. F.7-1/2013-PSB (NF) P-II Dtd August 30, 2013 is also withdrawn and cancelled as IOC has not recognised the elections organised by interim committee and POA headed by Akram Sahi.

“The POA is the legal custodian of Olympic properties in Pakistan. As the letters referred above is hereby withdrawn, the possession of the Olympic House, 2-Hameed Nizami Road, Lahore may be immediately handed over to POA headed by Arif Hasan.

“The Bank accounts of POA wherein funds retained and used are remitted by the IOC/OCA and other international bodies for the operations/functioning of POA belong to the IOC which at present is Arif Hasan. As per understanding any bar on the operation of bank accounts is unnecessary and uncalled for. Government of Pakistan explains this position to the concerned banks to ensure the said bank accounts are operated only by authorized body.

“These instructions are issued without prejudice to any court proceedings and orders of any legal forum,” the letter concludes.

Letter’s copies are sent to all individuals concerned.

Published in Dawn, July 6th , 2014