The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has imposed a lifetime ban on Olympian Arshad Nadeem’s coach, Salman Iqbal Butt, over alleged violations of the federation’s constitution, according to a report by Aaj News.
In an official statement, the AFP said the action was taken after Butt conducted what it described as “illegal elections” of the Punjab Athletics Association. The federation declared the results of those elections null and void and said they were not held in accordance with the AFP’s constitutional guidelines.
The AFP also announced a 10-year ban on Habib Shah for his involvement in the same matter. An inquiry committee was formed to review the issue, but both Salman Iqbal Butt and Habib Shah failed to appear before the committee despite multiple summons. The committee’s report concluded that constitutional violations had occurred and recommended strict disciplinary measures.
Following the report, the AFP decided to impose a lifetime ban on Salman Iqbal Butt, permanently barring him from participating in any athletics-related activity at any level in Pakistan. The federation emphasized that its decision was based on maintaining transparency, governance, and integrity within the sport.
In addition to the lifetime ban, a 10-year suspension was issued to Habib Shah. The AFP has also notified all affiliated provincial units, departments, and institutions to implement the disciplinary decisions immediately.
Salman Iqbal Butt is best known for coaching Pakistan’s top javelin thrower, Arshad Nadeem, who earned international acclaim after winning gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The federation’s decision marks a serious administrative step, signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward activities conducted outside the AFP’s constitutional framework.