By Ghani Rehman
PESHAWAR” While claims of promoting sports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) continue to echo in official statements, the ground realities raise serious and troubling questions. In a province governed in the name of athletes and sports development, the persistent neglect of a highly accomplished player and internationally qualified coach has exposed deep flaws within the system.
Muhammad Arshad — Pakistan’s current No.1 football coach, former captain of the national football team, and an internationally certified professional — proudly belongs to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His credentials and achievements are such that various institutions and departments across the country are eager to secure his services on lucrative monthly contracts. Despite these offers, Arshad has consistently chosen to prioritize his home province, demonstrating rare commitment and loyalty.
Unfortunately, repeated administrative hurdles, lack of coordination, and institutional indifference within the province led to a highly disappointing outcome: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s football team failed to qualify for the National Games. This failure becomes even more alarming when viewed against recent realities.
Ironically, the very coach overlooked at the provincial level went on to make history elsewhere. Under Muhammad Arshad’s leadership, a team competing in the 35th National Games in Karachi — a side few ever imagined could reach the top — emerged as champions. This triumph was not accidental; it was the result of modern coaching methods, strategic planning, and exceptional leadership.
Adding further weight to his credentials,
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s football team, coached by Muhammad Arshad, won the gold medal in the football tournament held under the Higher Education Commission’s National Youth Talent Programme. This marked the first time in history that KP secured a gold medal in this prestigious competition — a milestone achievement for the province.
Similarly, the Pakistan Air Force football team, which had historically struggled even to reach finals, rose to claim the National Games title under Arshad’s professional guidance. Achieving such success despite limited resources stands as clear evidence of his technical expertise, vision, and unmatched coaching caliber.
In recognition of these achievements, congratulatory messages have poured in from national and international football circles, including Pakistan Football Federation President Mohsin Gilani. These acknowledgments affirm Muhammad Arshad’s standing among Pakistan’s elite football coaches.
Yet, despite all this, a disturbing silence prevails. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Department and relevant provincial authorities have so far failed to issue any formal appreciation or encouragement — a neglect that has disappointed sports stakeholders across the province.
Experts argue that if competent and proven coaches like Muhammad Arshad were given timely respect, trust, and authority, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could not only dominate national competitions but also establish a strong presence at the international level.
This narrative is not intended to target any individual or institution. Rather, it highlights a broader# systemic failure. Sports do not progress through slogans alone; they flourish when merit is recognized, expertise is empowered, and experience is utilized without bias.
If Khyber Pakhtunkhwa genuinely aspires to lead in the field of sports, it must rise above personal preferences and administrative inertia. Only by honoring merit can the achievements of coaches like Muhammad Arshad become a source of provincial pride — instead of remaining an unanswered, uncomfortable question.
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