LAHORE: In a significant development impacting the chess community nationwide, Mr. Gauhar Iqbal Janjua has been suspended from his position as the Finance Secretary of the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP), effective October 20, 2023, The Scoop has learnt.
The suspension comes in the wake of serious charges, including widespread financial irregularities, corruption, serious violations of financial discipline, forgery, and the creation of a forged “Executive Member Resolution” document. Mr. Janjua is also accused of forging signatures of President CAP/CFP and other senior officials, as well as illegally nominating himself as the beneficiary/signatory of a bank account. The list of allegations extends to misrepresentations, criminal breach of trust, and bank fraud.
The CFP Executive Council, in its meeting held on November 5, 2023, took a decisive step by forming an inquiry committee. The committee, chaired by Mr. Saleem Akhtar, Senior Vice President, includes Mr. Iqtedar Uddin and Mr. Ejaz Abassi as Vice Presidents, with Mr. Omer Khan serving as the committee Secretary.
The suspended finance secretary, Mr. Gauhar Iqbal Janjua, has been directed to face the inquiry committee and provide answers to the charges against him. Failure to do so will result in further legal and disciplinary measures in accordance with the constitutions and the law.
During the suspension period, all affiliated units of CFP, along with other organizations and individuals, are advised not to entertain or invite Mr. Gauhar Iqbal Janjua to any chess function or on the stage of any chess activity across the country.
CFP, as a national institution, upholds the highest ethical standards and international best practices in its financial and administrative operations, aligning with the guidelines of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The leadership of CFP emphasizes the importance of sound character and the highest ethical values from all its office bearers and members.
