Islamabad – June 21, 2025: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has temporarily suspended the lifetime ban imposed on former Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Doda Khan Bhutto, granting him interim relief while his petition challenging the ban is under legal review.

The decision comes as a major development in a long-standing internal conflict within the governing body of boxing in Pakistan, raising fresh questions about governance transparency, accountability, and the politicization of sports federations.

Background: Why Was the Ban Imposed?

Doda Khan Bhutto, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s boxing circles, was handed a lifetime disqualification by a faction of the federation in 2023, following allegations of misconduct, financial irregularities, and unconstitutional decisions.

The ban was enforced by an opposing group within the PBF, which accused Bhutto of violating federation statutes, manipulating elections, and running parallel bodies without legal authority.

Bhutto, however, maintains the ban was politically motivated and a power struggle, rather than a legitimate disciplinary measure.

Court’s Observations

The IHC, in its preliminary order, noted that the due process of law may not have been followed in the imposition of the lifetime ban. The court emphasized the need to hear the case on merit, granting a stay on the disqualification until the next hearing.

“Prima facie, the decision to ban the petitioner lacks procedural transparency,” the court observed.

Legal experts believe the case may set a precedent for how sports bodies enforce internal disciplinary actions and could prompt judicial scrutiny of sports governance in Pakistan.

Implications for Pakistan Boxing Federation

• The suspension of the ban may reignite internal divisions within the PBF.
• The case could influence future elections and leadership dynamics in the federation.
• International boxing bodies such as the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) and AIBA may closely monitor the legal outcome.

Statements from Both Sides

Doda Khan Bhutto, speaking to reporters after the court order, said:

“I have full faith in the judiciary. This ban was unjust and a personal vendetta.”

Officials from the opposing PBF faction expressed disappointment and said they would present full evidence before the court in the next hearing.

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