Haji Saeed alleges deal between Mohsin Gilani and Haroon Malik [TCP]

by Alam Zeb Safi

LAHORE: Balochistan Football Association’s (BFA) former Secretary General and influential football figure Haji Saeed Tikko has alleged that a deal has been struck between Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsin Gilani and former Normalisation Committee chairman Haroon Malik, claiming this is evident from the continued presence of NC-era staff at the PFF Secretariat.

“It is clear that a deal has been brokered between Gilani and Haroon and that is the main reason that we see a bulk of staff in the PFF Secretariat which was also serving as staff members in the reign of Haroon Malik,” Haji Saeed told thecricketplus.com in an interview.

He advised Mohsin Gilani to remove all remaining NC appointees, warning that their presence could destabilise the federation in the days ahead. “They should be flushed out,” Haji Saeed stressed.

“As you mentioned, there are sons of some close friends and associates working on major posts in the PFF secretariat on huge salaries. They don’t have any links with football and they should be immediately removed so that a renewed secretariat could be made with fresh faces as it would help put the PFF working on solid footings. Otherwise, you will see conspiracies in time to come,” said Haji Saeed, who is also a renowned businessman.

“The entire set-up is the creation of Form 47. If a president comes with the support of only four members then definitely he will be the weakest and will be blackmailed,” Haji Saeed said.

According to Haji Saeed, Mohsin Gilani is keen to appoint a like-minded individual as PFF Secretary General.

“Gilani feels if Col Hamdani becomes the PFF Secretary General it will create big issues for him as he normally is out of country. So he wants to bring in his own secretary which could help him in the smooth handling of the federation,” Haji Saeed said.

“If situation gets normal, so I think Shahid Khokhar, who is currently acting as PFF Chief Operating Officer (COO), will be installed as PFF Secretary General,” Haji Saeed said.

He added that his sole objective is to see football managed professionally.

“I want football to be handled smartly and for that a smart setup is required,” he said, adding that he is making every effort to persuade key stakeholders to ensure the successful management of the game in the country.

“When Mohsin Gilani appointed Shahid Khokhar as COO no one raised voice against the appointment,” Haji Saeed said.

Haji Saeed further said that the situation remains far from normal, with disputes continuing in both Balochistan and Sindh.

“Our ExCo members deem themselves as the most wise people and they are of the view that they know constitution and legal matters. But it’s not their only duty. They have been elected and they now should deliver and run football,” Haji Saeed said.

It is pertinent to mention that Hafiz Zakaullah was initially expected to become the PFF chief, but his group had to bring in Gilani due to compelling circumstances.

Hafiz Zakaullah was widely regarded as a stronger choice than Gilani, who mostly remains abroad and lacks strong connections within the Pakistan football community. His primary association with Pakistan football had been through his role as a FIFA Development Officer.

Gilani is now attempting to consolidate his position by strengthening public relations with stakeholders at the cost of meaningful efforts toward football revival.

Pakistan football has suffered significantly over the past decade and there is an urgent need for professional management to revive the sport in the country.

Published in The Cricket Plus, 26 February 2026