Lahore, 21 April : “Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has asked us to complete the District Soccer Leagues in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) by 31 August 2008. We will follow the instructions as football is very popular game here and AJK’s footballers belonging to region’s districts Bagh, Bhimber, Kotli, Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Poonch and Sudhnatiare are showing willingness to participate in all the activities included in PFF Calendar 2008.” This is stated by AJK Football Association (AJK FA)’s President Sardar Muhammad Afzal.
The newly-formed AJK FA was shaped by PFF-appointed Election Convener Muhammad Irfan Khan Niazi. The other office-bearers of body are Pir Chan Shah (Vice President), Sardar Mushtaq Sadozoi (Secretary General), Muhammad Sajjad (Finance Secretary) and Muhammad Rasheed (Associate Secretary).
“During the AJK Elections, it was revealed that the region has no active club due to shortage of League competitions, District and AJK Championships. However, in order to create podium for football activities in the area, the AJK FA was formed under PFF supervision. The Fresh Elections of AJK will be ordered after the emergence of clubs,” said Irfan, who is also manager of Pakistan National team.
According to PFF’s General Secretary Lt. Col ® Ahmed Khan Yar Lodhi, the Mandate for AJK FA will be (1) Completion of Club Registrations at Districts by 31 May 2008 (2) District Leagues to be completed by 31 August 2008 (3) AJK League should be completed by 31 December 2008.