ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially been removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) watchlist after months of uncertainty, marking a significant achievement for the country’s sports sector.
WADA confirmed that the compliance procedure against Pakistan’s Anti-Doping Organization (ADOP) was successfully concluded, following the completion of all necessary corrective actions. A follow-up statement from WADA in September confirmed that Pakistan was no longer under enhanced monitoring, putting an end to the concerns over possible sanctions.
This turnaround is credited to the dedicated efforts of ADOP staff, who worked closely with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). Under the leadership of DG PSB Yasir Pirzada, corrective measures were swiftly implemented, including policy adjustments and procedural reforms, ensuring compliance with global standards.
This milestone comes after a warning in September 2024, where Pakistan was told that failure to meet anti-doping requirements by January 2025 would result in non-compliance status, risking the exclusion of Pakistani athletes from competing under their national flag and potential isolation in international sports.
“This is not just a bureaucratic victory; it is a lifeline for Pakistani athletes and sports federations,” said DG PSB Yasir Pirzada.
As Pakistan prepares to compete on major global sporting stages, this clearance from WADA represents a crucial step forward.
