All PFF stakeholders united for stability in Pakistan football
LAHORE: All stakeholders of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) are united in their commitment to ensuring the stability, promotion, and development of football in Pakistan. Through collective efforts, along with the support of FIFA and the AFC, and under the visionary leadership of Mr. Syed Mohsen Gilani, Pakistani football and its players will be given every opportunity and resource they rightfully deserve.
This was stated during a press conference held at the PFF Headquarters in Lahore, jointly addressed by PFF Vice President Hafiz Zaka Ullah, COO Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar, V.P PFF Naveed Aslam Lodhi, and PFF EXCO members Raja Amer Khan, Mohsin Ali Chaudhry and Director PFF Legal Ali Akram.
First of all, the message of PFF President Mr. Syed Mohsen Gilani was shared during the press conference. In his message, PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said: “The international football community has warmly welcomed Pakistan and shown strong confidence in our vision. Pakistan is increasingly being recognised as a positive and unifying force through football. Our engagements at the FIFA Congress have opened new doors for cooperation, development, and opportunity for our players, coaches, and officials.”
He added: “Pakistan’s new global identity as ‘peacemakers’ has significantly enhanced the country’s soft image worldwide; it has, in fact, strengthened our engagements with renowned and established footballing nations.”
Chief Operating Officer of PFF, Shahid Niaz Khokhar, said:
“We have received clear guidance from both FIFA and the AFC leadership, emphasising the importance of stability in Pakistan football. In response, all stakeholders are united in their commitment to strengthening the game across the country. Together, we are dedicated to promoting, developing, and elevating Pakistan football to new heights, ensuring sustainable growth and a brighter future for the sport.”
Vice President of PFF Mr. Zaka Ullah said:
“International football authorities, along with all domestic stakeholders, including PFF forums, the football community, government sports bodies, and the corporate sector, strongly desire stability within the PFF,” Zaka said and added: “No adventure will be allowed to destabilize PFF.”
“Through our discussions with fellow Member Associations (Federations), we have consistently emphasised the need for exchange programs, encompassing youth, women, schools, as well as players and coaches. Such initiatives, Zaka asserted, will play a pivotal role in transforming and revitalising football in Pakistan.”
The other attendees of the press conference including Mr. Naveed Aslam Lodhi, Raja Amer Khan, Umair Aslam Malik and Ali Akram shared similar sentiments, saying: “We all fully aligned in our vision for promotion and development of Pakistan football. Through collective effort, dedication and a strong sense of purpose, we are committed to elevating Pakistan football to the highest possible level on both regional and international stages.”
PAKISTAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION SECURES STRONG INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT AT FIFA CONGRESS IN VANCOUVER
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) delegation, led by President Syed Mohsen Gilani, has successfully concluded a series of high-level engagements on the sidelines of the 76th FIFA Congress and the 36th AFC Congress in Vancouver, Canada.
The delegation, comprising PFF Vice President Hafiz Zakaullah and Chief Operating Officer Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar, held extensive bilateral meetings with leading football federations from across the globe, reinforcing Pakistan’s growing presence in international football.
Strong global support for Pakistan football
Several key nations, including Canada, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, assured their full support to the Pakistan Football Federation. Additional engagements with federations from Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Thailand, Guyana, Namibia, and Barbados further strengthened Pakistan’s international football network. These interactions reflect a renewed global confidence in Pakistan football and its future trajectory.
Key areas of collaboration
The bilateral discussions focused on multiple strategic areas aimed at accelerating football development in Pakistan:
- Youth football development and grassroots programmes
- Women’s football development initiatives
- Coach education and referee training
- Cultural exchange through football
- Bilateral series and international exposure opportunities
- Education and social development through sport
- Pathways for Pakistani talent abroad
- Futsal development and technical collaboration
High-level engagements and outcomes
The PFF delegation held productive meetings with several prominent football leaders:
- The German Football Association extended full support in coach education and women’s football, while inviting Pakistani players and coaches to Germany for training exposure.
- Discussions with Canada Soccer focused on grassroots development, coaching programmes, and the possibility of an exhibition series, alongside engagement with the Pakistani diaspora.
- The Chinese Football Association offered collaboration in futsal training, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions after the FIFA World Cup.
- The Tajikistan Football Federation pledged support in referee training and goalkeeper coaching.
- Engagements with Erick Thohir and the Indonesian federation emphasized youth development and exchange programmes.
- Talks with Turkish Football Federation focused on coach and referee development.
- Football Australia highlighted collaboration in high-performance coaching and youth systems.
- The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan discussed futsal development and technical exchanges.
- The Football Association of Thailand extended an open invitation to host Pakistani teams at all levels.
- Productive meetings were also held with federations from Guyana, Namibia, and Barbados, focusing on technical cooperation and long-term development partnerships.
- The Saudi Arabian Football Federation reaffirmed strong bilateral ties, with plans for follow-up technical meetings in Riyadh.
Support from FIFA and AFC leadership
On the sidelines of the Congress, PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani met Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who reaffirmed the Asian Football Confederation’s full support for Pakistan.
Both FIFA and AFC leadership emphasized a clear and consistent message: the sustained progress of Pakistan football depends on institutional stability within the federation.
A renewed global image for Pakistan football
Pakistan’s active participation at one of the world’s most significant sporting platforms, the FIFA Congress, held alongside the FIFA World Cup cycle, has significantly enhanced the federation’s international standing.
The PFF’s diplomatic and strategic outreach in Vancouver marks a pivotal step toward rebuilding Pakistan football, promoting global partnerships, and creating sustainable pathways for growth after a challenging decade.
