Sindh High Court Challenges Lifetime Ban on Former National Athlete Quratulain

KARACHI (HRNW)- The Constitutional Bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC) has formally taken up a petition filed by renowned former athlete and current General Secretary of the Pakistan Padel Federation (PPF), Quratulain, challenging a lifetime ban imposed on her by sports regulatory authorities.

During the preliminary hearing, the court issued formal notices to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), the Pakistan Padel Federation, and other relevant federal sports entities. The bench has directed all respondents to submit a comprehensive written reply by January 21, 2026.

Legal Challenge and Procedural Anomalies

The petitioner’s counsel, Nabeel Kolachi Advocate, argued that the lifetime ban—issued via a notification on December 26, 2025—is legally untenable and procedurally flawed. The petition highlights several critical points:

Lack of Jurisdiction: The notification was reportedly issued by an Assistant Director (Netball) of a subsidiary wing of the PSB. The counsel contended that an official of this rank lacks the statutory authority to impose lifetime disqualifications on national athletes.
Procedural Irregularity: The notification was issued on a day officially designated as a public holiday in Islamabad, raising concerns regarding the transparency and legitimacy of the administrative process.
Impact on National Representation: Quratulain has a distinguished record of representing Pakistan in international sports. The ban not only affects her professional career but also targets the entire cabinet of the Pakistan Padel Federation, an action that has already been communicated to the International Padel Federation (FIP).

Call for Restitution

The petitioner has requested the honorable court to declare the ban null and void, asserting that such “draconian measures” stifle the growth of sports in Pakistan and violate fundamental rights of professional association and due process.

The Sindh High Court has scheduled the next hearing for January 21, where the legality of the Pakistan Sports Board’s notification will be scrutinized under constitutional provisions.