In a significant decision for competitive long-range shooting, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Adjudicator Shakil Durrani has canceled all disciplinary penalties and restrictions previously imposed on rifle shooter Mohsin Nawaz by the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Association (PLRA). The ruling came after Nawaz challenged the association's actions through a formal petition, ultimately setting aside a three-year ban that had prevented him from representing Pakistan internationally.
The PLRA's sanctions were comprehensive, including a three-year prohibition on Nawaz from participating in international long-range shooting competitions, championships, training activities, or official delegations. Additionally, he faced a two-year ban from national-level competitions and other PLRA-sanctioned activities. These restrictions also involved the withdrawal of his endorsements, nominations, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), notably impacting his planned participation in the 7th F-Class World Championship slated for August 2026 in the United Kingdom.
The disciplinary action stemmed from two primary allegations: Mohsin Nawaz was accused of wearing unauthorized national shooting colors during a media appearance and appearing on national television without first obtaining an NOC from the PLRA. These were the stated grounds for the association's severe punitive measures against a recognized competitor.
The first hearing, held on July 30, 2026, saw both parties present their arguments and supporting documents. During the proceedings, Adjudicator Durrani specifically questioned the proportionality of the penalties relative to the allegations. Furthermore, a key point of inquiry was whether the PLRA possessed the legal authority to impose such sweeping restrictions. The adjudicator also sought clarification from both the PLRA and the PSB regarding established disciplinary procedures, precedents from previous cases, and the availability of NOCs for athletes who intended to participate in international events without direct financial backing from their respective federation or the national sports board.
Nawaz's defense maintained that the PLRA's constitution lacked any explicit provision prohibiting the use of the national blazer, a central point of contention. He further asserted that the PSB itself had authorized him to wear the national colors on November 28, 2025, referencing Rule 7(1), which grants the board the authority to award national colors. The adjudicator’s observations during the process confirmed that Nawaz held valid authorization on May 3, 2026, and crucially, that the PSB only withdrew this authorization *after* he had worn the blazer in question.
In response, the PSB and PLRA argued that Nawaz should not have worn the blazer, primarily because he had not participated in the F-Class shooting event in the United Kingdom. Adding to the complexity, the PSB acknowledged an error on its part, admitting that it had made a mistake in initially awarding the national colors without fully considering all relevant factors. This admission led to the subsequent withdrawal of the authorization by the PSB.
After a thorough examination of all presented arguments and evidence during the hearings, Adjudicator Shakil Durrani ultimately ruled to set aside all penalties and restrictions previously imposed on Mohsin Nawaz by the PLRA, clearing his path to return to competitive long-range shooting.
