PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chess Association (KPCA), a duly affiliated body with the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP), Directorate of Sports KP, and Pakistan Sports Board, has issued a strong statement condemning the unconstitutional actions of Hanif Qureshi and his associates, labeling their activities as a serious threat to the future of chess in the province and across the country.
Speaking on behalf of KPCA, spokesperson Waseem Khan expressed grave concern over what he described as repeated attempts by Hanif Qureshi to destabilize the foundations of chess in Pakistan.
“Since 2012, Qureshi has continuously created illegal and parallel bodies in an effort to sow division within the chess community, harming Pakistan’s image both nationally and internationally,” he said.
He added that Hanif Qureshi himself had acknowledged the legitimacy of the KP Chess Association during the Dubai Agreement in 2021, recognizing it as the only authorized provincial body.
“His current attempt to conduct fake elections and form a parallel organization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a clear breach of that agreement and reveals malicious intent,” Waseem stated.
Waseem Khan further emphasized that, under Pakistan’s National Sports Policy, only one chess association is officially recognized per province. “The KP Sports Board has already declared KPCA as the sole representative body of chess in the province,” he noted.
“This group has been interfering in chess-related institutions nationwide, and they are now attempting to disrupt the sport in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well. We will not allow these unlawful and destructive tactics to succeed,” he declared.
The KP Chess Association has called upon the Pakistan Sports Board and Directorate of Sports KP to take immediate notice of the situation and initiate strict legal action against the individuals involved.
It also urged the Chess Federation of Pakistan to impose a complete ban on Hanif Qureshi and his group from all chess-related activities.
The spokesperson appealed to all players, coaches, organizers, and sponsors to completely boycott the illegitimate and harmful parallel group.
“These are the very people responsible for hindering Pakistan’s progress in international chess over the past several years. Silence is no longer an option,” he warned.
KPCA reaffirmed its commitment to not only defending its constitutional status but also to actively promoting and safeguarding the game of chess through all legal and administrative measures.
