But the young Pakistani team proved they could win without their experienced captain as they easily disposed of the winless South Africans for their third straight victory.
Defending champions Australia struggled to a 2-1 victory over trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand to hold on to second place with two wins and a draw from three matches.
Earlier, hosts Malaysia caused the first major upset of the tournament when they defeated India 4-1.
Pakistan manager Samiullah Khan said his team lacked fluency without Saqlain, so he was grateful for the victory.
“We knew only quite late that he was to be suspended but we agreed to it for the betterment of hockey,” said Khan.
“We have brought a young team here so that we can build for the future. They were not as fluent without the captain because they missed his vision.
“But so far so good. We hope to continue doing well in the tournament.”
Field goals from Shakeel Abbasi in the 24th minute and Rehan Butt after 30 minutes proved enough to ensure victory for the Pakistanis, champions here in 2003 and runners-up last year.
Pakistan’s sub-continental rivals India, however, must be concerned about their chances of qualifying for the final after their first defeat of the tournament.
Skipper S. Kuhan’s two penalty corners and strikes by Muhamad Amin Rahim and Robert Alcantara earned Malaysia their first win of the tournament against one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Malaysia had been under pressure to perform in this tournament after losing 3-1 to Australia in their opening match and managing only a 1-1 draw with South Africa.
“We had a lot of chances to score and we made the most of it, unlike in previous matches,” said a relieved Malaysian coach Wallace Tan.
Indian manager Romeo James remained defiant, however, insisting his team were still capable of reaching the final.
“Even though we lost today it doesn’t mean we cannot beat Korea and Australia,” said James, whose team next take on Korea on Tuesday.
India have a record of one win, one draw and one defeat after three matches, the same as Malaysia, who have a better goal difference.
Kuhan gave Malaysia the lead on six minutes through a penalty corner and Indian skipper Dilip Tirkey responded in kind three minutes later.
However, Malaysia took control in the second half, with Alacantara scoring a field goal in the 50th minute and Rahim making it 3-1 four minutes later. Kuhan completed the scoring with another penalty corner with six minutes left.
Australia and New Zealand fought out a tight battle with few scoring chances for either side. New Zealand came closest in the first half when Geredh Brooks hit the post from a penalty corner.
Australia finally broke the deadlock 12 minutes from time when skipper Michael McCann deflected a penalty corner into the New Zealand goal.
The goal deflated the hard-working Kiwis as Australia gained in confidence with Grant Schubert adding a second for the Kookaburras five minutes from time.
Grant Kosoof scored a consolation for New Zealand with seconds remaining.
Standings after Sunday’s play: (played, won, draw, lost, for, against, points)
Pakistan 3 3 0 0 7 3 9
Australia 3 2 1 0 8 5 7
Malaysia 3 1 1 1 6 5 4
India 3 1 1 1 5 7 4
South Korea 2 0 1 1 5 6 1
New Zealand 3 0 1 2 4 6 1
South Africa 3 0 1 2 2 5 1
—AFP