The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has completed the District Football Association (DFA) elections nationwide, marking a monumental first step towards resolving the long-standing challenges in Pakistani football.
Haroon Malik, brought in by the world football governing body FIFA in 2021 to lead the PFF, has worked diligently to address various issues and enhance football governance at both district and national levels. Under Malik’s leadership, elections were conducted even in the smallest and most remote areas, achieving over 90% voter participation and covering 120 out of 143 eligible districts. Elections are pending in Kohat and Tank due to court stays and in Kashmore, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Dera Bugti, Sorab, and Kurram due to security concerns.
Additionally, 11 districts lack any voting clubs, and 4 districts have only one voting club, preventing the election process. The elections elected 119 Presidents, 9 Senior Vice Presidents, 116 General Secretaries, and 112 Treasurers across three phases. Haroon Malik congratulated the candidates and emphasized the historic inclusivity and transparency of the process.
He stated that the focus will now shift to provincial elections, with rules and regulations available on PFF’s social media platforms. He expressed gratitude to the football community for their steadfast support.
The electoral achievement by the PFF signifies a crucial move towards stability and progress in football governance, setting the stage for a brighter future in Pakistani football.
