By:Shabir Jan
SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A Game in the Name of Sports! Misuse of Sports Funds in Upper South Waziristan—No Office, No Field Activities, Serious Questions on Sports Officer’s Performance, Demand for Inquiry from Higher Authorities
According to details, serious concerns have emerged regarding the non-transparent use of funds allocated for the welfare of youth and promotion of sports in Upper South Waziristan. The alleged negligence, inactivity, and showy presence on social media by the District Sports Officer are causing severe disappointment and mistrust among the youth.
Sources say the officer in question has neither a proper office nor field staff, no annual sports schedule, and no public access or accountability mechanism. All departmental sports activities are limited to mobile phones, WhatsApp, and Facebook posts consisting of a few pictures and videos, creating an illusion of performance.
According to sources, small amounts of money are given to various individuals to organize exhibition matches, which are then portrayed as full-fledged tournaments. Photos and videos of these matches are shared on social media to give the impression of a successful event, while behind the scenes, suspicious and unverifiable bills worth hundreds of thousands of rupees are allegedly prepared to justify the usage of funds.
Public and social circles argue that in a region plagued by terrorism, unemployment, and underdevelopment—where youth are already deprived of positive activities—sports could be their only ray of hope. However, when those responsible for these activities are themselves unserious, inactive, and allegedly corrupt, the erosion of trust among the youth is inevitable.
Social groups, tribal elders, and youth have jointly demanded that the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Minister for Sports, the Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs, and the Director General Sports take immediate and serious notice of the matter. They call for a transparent and impartial inquiry into the financial and administrative affairs of the District Sports Officer of Upper South Waziristan, and the implementation of a practical plan that includes a proper office, permanent staff, and regular field activities to promote sports in the district. The public insists that this “game in the name of sports” must be stopped immediately, and resources meant for the youth must be used with honesty and transparency.
