Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Adjudicator Shakil Durrani has canceled all penalties and restrictions imposed on rifle shooter Mohsin Nawaz by the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Association (PLRA).
The decision came after the adjudicator heard a petition filed by Nawaz challenging the disciplinary action taken against him by the association.
The PLRA had imposed a three-year ban on Nawaz from representing Pakistan or participating in international long-range shooting competitions, championships, training activities, and official delegations.
He was also barred from national-level competitions and other PLRA-sanctioned activities for two years. The association withdrew his endorsements, nominations, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), including the one issued for the 7th F-Class World Championship in the United Kingdom in August 2026.
The disciplinary action was based on two allegations: wearing unauthorized national shooting colors during a media appearance and appearing on national television without obtaining an NOC from the PLRA.
The first hearing was held on July 30, 2026, during which both parties presented their arguments and supporting documents.
During the proceedings, the adjudicator questioned whether the penalties were proportionate to the allegations and whether the PLRA had the legal authority to impose them.
The adjudicator also sought clarification from both parties and the PSB regarding disciplinary procedures, previous cases, and the availability of NOCs for athletes wishing to participate in international events without financial support from the federation or the board.
Nawaz argued that the PLRA constitution contained no provision prohibiting the use of the national blazer. He maintained that the PSB had authorized him to wear the national colors on November 28, 2025, under Rule 7(1), which gives the board the authority to award national colors.
The adjudicator noted that Nawaz held valid authorization on May 3, 2026, and that the PSB withdrew it only after he had worn the blazer.
However, the PSB and PLRA argued that he should not have worn the blazer because he had not participated in the F-Class shooting event in the United Kingdom.
The PSB acknowledged that it had made a mistake in awarding the national colors without considering all relevant factors and subsequently withdrew the authorization.
After examining the arguments presented during the hearings, the adjudicator set aside all penalties and restrictions imposed on Nawaz by the PLRA.
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