The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) will launch its safeguarding programme for District Football Championship safeguarding focal persons with the first online workshop on August 11, marking an important step in strengthening player welfare and embedding safeguarding standards across football in Pakistan.
With the District Football Championship set to feature under-18 players as well, the federation has established a nationwide safeguarding network to help ensure the protection, welfare and wellbeing of young participants throughout the competition.
Safeguarding refers to the measures and practices that protect children and vulnerable individuals from abuse, exploitation, neglect and harm, while ensuring they can participate in football in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.
Earlier this year, the PFF invited all 124 participating districts to nominate a dedicated safeguarding focal person. Following a comprehensive nomination process, including scrutiny and background checks, the first batch of 15 districts has been selected to undergo training, with the remaining districts to participate in subsequent phases.
The inaugural workshop will be led by PFF Safeguarding Officer Arooj Sohail, who is trained and certified by FIFA.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said safeguarding is fundamental to the federation’s vision of building a modern, world-class football ecosystem.
“As we transform football in Pakistan, our ambition is not only to organise more competitions, but to deliver them in line with the highest international standards. Protecting children and young people is central to that commitment.”
“Strong governance begins with protecting people. By embedding safeguarding throughout our football structure, we are building a game that is safer, more professional and worthy of the trust of players, parents and communities alike.”
PFF Chief Operating Officer Shahid Khokhar said the programme reflects the federation’s commitment to translating that vision into action at the grassroots level.
“Every child has the right to enjoy football in a safe environment. By training safeguarding focal persons in every participating district, we are creating a nationwide network that understands our policies, knows how to respond to concerns and is equipped to put safeguarding into practice.”
“The Pakistan Football Federation has a zero-tolerance policy towards safeguarding violations. This programme is about ensuring that safeguarding is understood, implemented and upheld consistently across the country.”
