By Obaid-ur-Rehman Abbasi
Despite Pakistan’s world-class mountain ranges and immense potential for winter sports, the Ski Federation of Pakistan stands paralyzed by years of neglect, mismanagement, and institutional decay. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government must act urgently to revive the sport by ensuring transparent association elections and genuine reforms.
A Land of Frozen Dreams
Pakistan’s snow-covered northern regions are among the most breathtaking destinations on the planet — a natural haven for adventure seekers, mountaineers, and winter sports enthusiasts. Every year, thousands of local and international tourists visit these regions, drawn by the allure of frozen landscapes, towering peaks, and pristine valleys.
The region is not only blessed with extraordinary beauty but also naturally suited for winter sports such as skiing, ice hockey, curling, and mountaineering. In the past, Pakistani athletes braved icy slopes and represented the nation with pride at international events. Yet today, the Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) — once envisioned as the custodian of these dreams — stands on the brink of irrelevance. No interest is being taken by assiciated organisations like UGC pakistan Civil Aviation etc which were once nursery of the skiing and were main producers if players. Regrettedly PCAA has stoped hiring ski players since 2020 which is a real set back.similarly no university based competionz ade being held which is once again a blow.
Administrative Collapse — Slipping on Its Own Skis
Formed decades ago to put Pakistan on the global winter sports map, the federation has fallen victim to bureaucratic inertia, poor leadership, and political indifference.
For the last two years, no elections have been held, in direct violation of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) rules. The federation currently operates without a president, without a permanent office, and without a single full-time employee.
Even more alarming, there have been no Giant Slalom or Slalom competitions for two consecutive years — a damning reflection of the federation’s lack of initiative or interest. Despite receiving millions in national and international grants, the body remains largely dysfunctional, with no record of where those funds were utilized.
Most regional and provincial units have been reduced to paper organizations, while the Pakistan Sports Board and the Pakistan Olympic Association continue to look the other way.
AJK and GB Associations — Beacons of Hope
Amid this bleak scenario, the Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Ski Associations stand out as rare examples of resilience and integrity.
Both associations have continued to train young athletes and organize local competitions, keeping the sport alive in regions where passion outweighs resources.
Leaders such as Air Commodore (R) Musarrat Ali, Col. Sohail, and Shahid Nadeem have kept the flame burning. Under Musarrat’s tenure as Secretary General, Pakistani skiers participated in several international events — including in India — and brought home medals. Later, Shahid Nadeem and Col. Wali expanded the scope of winter sports by introducing ice hockey, grass skiing, and roller skiing within Pakistan.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ski Association Baluchistan , punjab and Sind— Silent Passengers on the Slopes.
Despite being home to some of Pakistan’s most promising winter sports destinations, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ski Association has remained largely inactive for years. Operating without any open or legal elections, the association has failed to promote or organize meaningful winter sports activities, reflecting the same stagnation that plagues the Ski Federation of Pakistan at the national level.
While the federation and provincial bodies remain frozen in mismanagement and bureaucratic politics, only two clubs — Malam Jabba and Chitral — continue to make progress. These privately driven initiatives have sustained skiing in the region through individual effort and limited local support rather than institutional planning.
Sports observers believe that the KP government must intervene immediately, ensuring transparent elections and a complete restructuring of the association. Without reform and accountability, winter sports in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa risk being buried under layers of official neglect — a tragedy for a region naturally blessed for skiing and snow tourism. Almost same is with Baluchidtan Sind and punjab and islamabad ski Associations. Source further alleged.
Wali sisters,khusheen sahiba, Abbas, swar liaqat and Karim — The Faces of Pakistan’s Snow Sports:
Among Pakistan’s proudest athletes are Afra Wali, Amina Wali, Muhammad Abbas, and Muhammad Karim — names synonymous with grit and perseverance.
These athletes represented Pakistan in international and even Olympic events, often without institutional backing or sponsorship.
The federation failed to provide them with foreign coaches, training facilities, or equipment, leaving them to rely solely on personal dedication and family support. Their individual triumphs stand as symbols of resilience amid a system frozen in inefficiency.
Samiullah Khan — The Visionary Face of Malam Jabba:
If there is one individual who has single-handedly elevated skiing in Pakistan, it is Samiullah Khan, owner of Malam Jabba Ski Resort.
Through personal investment and foresight, he established modern chairlifts, ski lifts, and training facilities, transforming Malam Jabba into Pakistan’s only professional skiing hub.
Under his guidance, two international instructors trained dozens of young athletes. His private initiative demonstrates what could be achieved nationally if vision were matched with institutional support.
No Structure, No Training, No Transparency
Reliable sources inside federation confirm that the winter Federation of Pakistan still lacks a national and int coaching framework, athlete database, or technical equipment.
Financial transparency remains elusive, and most sponsors have walked away.
As a result, young athletes are forced to fund their own participation in international competitions — a humiliating situation for a country that boasts some of the world’s highest peaks.
This is not just the story of one federation — it is a reflection of the broader collapse of sports governance in Pakistan, where politics routinely trumps performance.
Ski Tourism — A Melting National Treasure
Countries such as Switzerland, Turkey, Japan, and Iran have turned ski tourism into multi-billion-dollar industries.
Pakistan, with its natural ski zones in Naltar, Rattu, Kalam, and Malam Jabba, holds the same potential — if only there were a plan.
A well-structured public-private partnership model could turn these areas into world-class ski and adventure tourism hubs, generating thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to Pakistan’s soft power and image abroad.
Reform — The Need of the Hour
To revive winter sports in Pakistan, reforms within the Ski Federation are not optional — they are essential. Immediate steps must include:
1. Transparent elections and appointment of a qualified president.
2. Establishment of a permanent office with trained administrative staff.
3. Reorganization of dormant associations based on merit and performance.
4. Development of a National Training Plan and hiring of foreign coaches.
5. Promotion of ski tourism under a public-private partnership framework.
6. Mandatory financial audits and publication of annual reports.
7. Oversight of the Pakistan Olympic Association to ensure governance standards.
8. Fair and impartial elections of all clubs and Associations under PSB and POA must be held under the provision of relevent rules .
9. organisations and govt departments like Banks, universities and civil Aviation etc must be approached to start hiring ski talents.
10. A country wise tslent programe must bd innitated to get new blood .
11. int couch must bd hired for training and running ski schools .
12. audit shoukd be done through government Auditors .
Melting Talent in a Frozen System;
Pakistan’s mountains are home to incredible natural wealth and untapped human potential.
What the country lacks is visionary leadership, transparency, and accountability.
If decisive action is not taken soon, the Ski Federation of Pakistan may join the long list of dormant, paper-bound institutions — and the nation’s frozen talent will continue to melt away, lost forever in the snow.
About the Author:
Obaid-ur-Rehman Abbasi is an investigative journalist focusing on sports governance, institutional accountability, and tourism development in Pakistan.
