Pakistan Weightlifting Faces Major Doping Scandal and Lifetime Bans
Controversies in Pakistani Sports
Pakistan's sports landscape has been plagued by controversies over the years. Following the recent ball tampering accusations that shook the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the issues surrounding the men's hockey team in Australia, another sport is now embroiled in scandal. The Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS ADD) has launched a significant crackdown on a widespread doping scandal affecting Pakistani weightlifting. The decisions include lifetime bans for key officials and harsh penalties for both an athlete and the national federations.
The chief of the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWLF), Hafiz Imran Butt, along with coach Irfan Butt, has received permanent bans from the sport. The CAS ADD determined that both individuals were heavily involved in extensive doping activities within the Pakistani weightlifting community from 2014 to 2016. They were found to have administered banned substances, including steroids, to athletes, some of whom were underage.
Given the severity of their actions, both Hafiz Imran Butt and Irfan Butt have been subjected to the maximum penalty—a lifetime ban. They are now prohibited from participating in any capacity in activities sanctioned by the World Anti-Doping Code signatories. Prior to this, both officials had already faced suspension from the Pakistan Sports Board in November 2025 due to ongoing investigations.
Weightlifter Penalized for Attempting to Conceal Drug Test Failure
Weightlifter Penalized For Covering Up Failed Drug Test
Pakistani weightlifter Abubakar Ghani has been handed a four-year suspension after he tried to hide a failed drug test. Ghani tested positive for a Tamoxifen metabolite, a banned hormone and metabolic modulator, during the 2021 World Weightlifting Championships held in Tashkent. After serving a previous two-year ban for the same violation, it was revealed that Ghani had submitted fraudulent medical prescriptions to explain the failed test. This led to an additional charge of "tampering with the doping control process," resulting in a four-year ban.
Consequences for the Federation
Federation Faces Mounting Consequences
The repercussions of this doping scandal extend beyond individual bans, threatening the entire Pakistan Weightlifting Federation. The PWLF is currently under a one-year suspension due to prior infractions committed by its athletes, coaches, and officials. With more than three athletes and support staff now officially linked to violations of anti-doping rules, the CAS ADD has indicated that the PWLF will face new disciplinary actions. These actions will be executed in accordance with Article 12.3 of the International Weightlifting Federation’s (IWF) Anti-Doping Rules.