After months of uncertainty, Pakistan has successfully cleared its name from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) watchlist, marking a significant breakthrough for the country’s sports community.
According to official communication, WADA confirmed that the compliance procedure against Pakistan’s Anti-Doping Organisation (ADOP) has been closed after all pending corrective actions were completed. A follow-up confirmation from WADA in September reiterated that Pakistan is no longer under enhanced monitoring, effectively ending speculation over possible sanctions.
Sources say this positive outcome is the result of relentless efforts by the ADOP staff, who were closely guided by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). Under the leadership of DG PSB Yasir Pirzada, corrective measures were swiftly implemented, ranging from policy alignment to procedural reforms, ensuring that Pakistan met the stringent global standards on time.
This development comes just months after Pakistan was warned in September 2024 that failure to meet critical anti-doping requirements by January 2025 would trigger automatic non-compliance. Such a status could have prevented Pakistani athletes from competing under their national flag and risked international isolation in sport.
“This is not just a bureaucratic victory; it is a lifeline for Pakistani athletes and sports federations,” said DG PSB Yasir Pirzada. For a country preparing to showcase itself on major sporting platforms, this clearance from WADA marks a vital step forward.
