By Hashim Khan
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chess Association (KPCA) successfully held its elections on May 17, 2025, in Peshawar, with Ibrar Naveed Pirzada* re-elected unopposed as President for the 2025–2029 term. His entire leadership panel was also elected unopposed, demonstrating strong unity and confidence within the provincial chess community. The election process was conducted under the supervision of Abdul Rauf Khan Ghouri, Advocate Peshawar High Court, as Election Commissioner, and witnessed by Iqtedar Ud Din, representative as observer of the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP), ensuring full transparency and adherence to democratic principles. New Leadership Team (2025–2029)
The newly elected office bearers of KPCA include:
President: Ibrar Naveed Pirzada, Senior Vice President, Junaid ul Haq Aziz, Vice Presidents Muhammad Waqar, Malik Anees, Tariq Aziz, Ms. Shenila Idrees. General Secretary Muhammad Hamayoun, Joint Secretary Saad Afridi (Khyber District), Press Secretary Hashim Khan, Finance secretary Jalil Khan Executive Members, All District Representatives
In a strategic move:
Arif Yousuf Advocate was appointed as Patron-in-Chief and Pervez Ali (Rtd) Director Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), as Chairman of KPCA. Advocate Malik Slaman & Advocate Irfan Ullah also becomes the executive member of KPCA and brings legal expertise and institutional leadership to further strengthen the association’s governance.
Key Initiatives & Milestones
Inclusive Chess Development
- First time KPCA has formally integrated Youth from all religious communities into its structure, ensuring representation and opportunities for minority players.
- Special roles have been assigned to community representatives:
- Tariq Aziz & Shan Boota* (Christian Community)
- Anil Kumar (Hindu Community)
- Govind Singh (Sikh Community)
- The entire house congratulated Mr. Muhammad Waqar, Vice President KPCA for his appointment as a Rating Officer by the Chess Federation of Pakistan, enabling to organize Internationally recognized world level FIDE-rated tournaments easily for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan students and players.
Players with FIDE IDs and new commers students as players will now be eligible for academic Admissions, scholarships, and stipends at national and international institutions with the help of FIDE IDs. 1st Yum-e-Fateh Rapid Chess Championship (FIDE-Rated) Patron-in-Chief Mr. Arif Yousuf announced the launch of this prestigious event, set to take place in Peshawar, marking a new era for competitive chess in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Vice President Muhammad Waqar reaffirmed KPCA’s commitment to expanding chess across all districts and educational institutions in the province. He emphasized chess as a critical educational tool for enhancing strategic thinking, discipline, and cognitive development** among youth. Our mission is to make chess accessible to every child in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regardless of background, and to nurture future champions who can compete at national and global levels, said Muhammad Waqar
With a renewed leadership team, inclusive policies, and plans for high-profile tournaments, KPCA is poised to elevate chess as a premier mind sport** in the region. The 1st Yum-e-Fateh Rapid Chess Championship is expected to attract top talent from across Pakistan, further solidifying KP’s position in the national chess landscape.
