![New era for Pakistan football as Gilani elected PFF president [The Nation]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/newly-elected-PFF-ExCo-members-and-PFF-Congress.jpg "New era for Pakistan football as Gilani elected PFF president [The Nation]")
by Azhar Khan
LAHORE – A new chapter in Pakistan football has officially begun as Syed Mohsen Gilani was elected President of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) during the 2025 Executive Committee elections.
Gilani secured the presidency of the PFF with 13 votes, edging out Taha Alizai, who received 11 votes in a closely contested election. His election marks a significant turning point for the sport in the country, with hopes pinned on progressive leadership, structural reforms, and renewed unity across the football landscape.
The PFF Congress, composed of representatives from provincial associations, services, and other stakeholders, convened to elect a new leadership body that will serve a four-year term. The election process adhered to FIFA guidelines, ensuring transparency and inclusivity across all member associations.
Alongside Gilani, three Vice Presidents were also elected to support the federation’s strategic initiatives across various regions and domains. Naveed Aslam Lodhi was elected as Vice President with 15 votes, followed by Hafiz Zakaullah and Muhammad Ali as Vice Presidents with 13 votes each.
The provincial representation was finalized with two members each elected from Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Abid Hussain and Raja Amer Khan will represent Punjab, while Arif Shahzad and Waseem Raja secured seats from Sindh. From Balochistan, Gul Muhammad Kakar and Shakeel Ahmed Zehri were elected, further strengthening the federation’s outreach to one of the country’s most passionate football regions.
However, the representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) are yet to be confirmed. Their selection will be made in the next Congress session. Additionally, the Services sector, which plays a crucial role in national-level football development, saw three candidates elected to the Executive Committee: Javed Ali Memon, Mohsin Ali Chaudhry, and Umair Aslam Malik.
GILANI THANKS FOOTBALL COMMUNITY, COMMITS TO TRANSFORMING PAKISTAN FOOTBALL
Newly elected PFF President Mohsen Gilani has thanked the executive committee, football stakeholders, and the entire football community for their trust and support. He pledged to lead Pakistan football towards a brighter future, emphasizing unity, inclusiveness, and structural reform.
“This is not just my victory, it is a victory of Pakistan football,” Gilani said. “Together, we will bring meaningful improvements to the football system across the country. Every stakeholder will be engaged and consulted to ensure a collaborative and transparent approach to development.”
Highlighting the passion and commitment of the newly elected members, he added: “Many of our members are former footballers and excellent organizers, deeply connected to the game and determined to bring about real, lasting change. We are united in our vision, and together, we will do our utmost to uplift Pakistan football and take it to new heights.”
FIFA LAUDS TRANSPARENT PFF ELECTIONS, VOWS CONTINUED SUPPORT
Rolf Tanner, Head of MA Governance at FIFA, hailed the successful conclusion of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) elections as a victory for football in the country.
“It has been a long but very productive day,” Tanner said. “We are pleased that the elections were held in a positive and transparent atmosphere, giving stakeholders a real choice. This is a significant step forward for Pakistan football.”
He emphasised FIFA’s full support for the newly elected leadership, especially during the transition period from the Normalisation Committee. Tanner also thanked all Congress members for their participation and commended the Normalisation Committee for its dedication and hard work in preparing for the elections.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter,” he said and added. “FIFA looks forward to working closely with the new leadership for the continued development of football in Pakistan.”