Pakistan Secures Global Sporting Lifeline with Wada Clearance

Pakistan has successfully exited the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (Wada) watchlist, a move hailed as a major breakthrough for the sporting future in the country.

Placed on the list in September 2024 due to failures in meeting the updated anti-doping code, Pakistan faced the risk of being declared non-compliant if corrective measures were not completed by January.

Such a scenario would have prevented athletes from competing under the national flag and potentially isolated Pakistan from international sports.

On Friday, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) confirmed that Wada had officially closed the compliance procedure. “A follow-up confirmation reiterated that Pakistan was no longer under enhanced monitoring,” a spokesperson said.

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PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada, who led the reforms, said the clearance was a significant achievement. “This is not just a bureaucratic victory; it is a lifeline for Pakistani athletes,” he said. The measures included policy alignment, procedural reforms, and close coordination with Wada to meet global standards.

Deputy Director General Shahid Islam was formally notified of the decision via email. Officials say the outcome restores Pakistan’s credibility in the global sporting community.