The Athletic Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has banned Olympian Arshad Nadeem’s coach Salman Iqbal Butt from any coaching-related activities after he was found guilty of violating the federation’s constitution during the Punjab Athletics Association (PAA) elections.
The federation punished Butt with a lifetime ban, while Syed Habib Shah was banned for ten years on similar grounds.
The decision came after the AFP took serious note of what it called “deliberate, deliberate and repeated acts of misconduct” by the two officials, who had gone ahead with the Punjab Athletics Association elections on August 31, 2025, despite orders to desist.
The AFP stated that the elections were unlawfully held with just one day’s notice, violating mandatory constitutional provisions regarding timelines and procedures.
An investigative committee was subsequently formed to investigate the matter. Both Butt and Shah were asked to explain their behavior but did not respond within the deadline, the federation said.
After reviewing the evidence, the AFP Executive Committee concluded that both individuals had committed gross violations of the constitution of the federation and demonstrated deliberate insubordination.
Following the investigation, the commission declared the Punjab Athletics Association elections null and void and announced that new elections would be held under the supervision of the AFP.
The federation has also directed all affiliated units and institutions to cease official dealings with the banned officials.
