Shahid Khokhar removed as PFF Acting General Secretary [The News]

Shahid Khokhar removed as PFF Acting General Secretary [The News]

LAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the immediate removal of Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar from his position as Acting General Secretary. The decision, formally approved by PFF President Mohsen Gilani, marks another shift in the federation’s leadership. An official of the PFF claimed that it continues efforts to stabilize governance and streamline operations.

While the PFF has not disclosed the specific reasons behind Khokhar’s dismissal, sources indicate that the process to appoint a new General Secretary is already underway. The federation has assured that a likeminded replacement will be announced once the selection process is complete.

Khokhar, a seasoned administrator, had been associated with the PFF since 2017, serving in multiple capacities. He was notably part of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee, which was tasked with navigating Pakistani football through a turbulent era marked by institutional disputes, leadership vacuums, and international suspensions.

Appointed as Acting General Secretary in 2025, Khokhar was reportedly a contender for the permanent role before his abrupt removal. His exit comes at a time when Pakistan football is showing signs of revival, with renewed focus on local tournaments, youth development, and grassroots engagement.

The incoming General Secretary will inherit a federation in transition—one that is cautiously rebuilding its credibility and infrastructure after years of administrative paralysis. Ensuring continuity, transparency, and strategic planning will be essential as the PFF seeks to reestablish its footing both domestically and on the international stage.

No timeline has been confirmed for the new appointment, but the federation is expected to move swiftly to avoid disruptions in ongoing programs and upcoming competitions.

Published in The News, 13 October 2025