The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has reportedly placed Pakistan’s National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) on its “watch list” for violations of the International Standard for Code Compliance, raising further concerns about the country’s sporting landscape.
WADA’s Anti-Doping Code aims to harmonize anti-doping policies, guidelines, and practices across public and sporting organizations worldwide.
It is supported by eight international standards, and WADA is responsible for ensuring the Code’s global acceptance and enforcement. All affiliated bodies are required to comply with these standard operating procedures, last updated in 2021.
According to WADA, Pakistan has four months to resolve the outstanding compliance issues. Failure to make the necessary adjustments within this timeframe could result in disciplinary action against NADO.
If corrective measures are not taken, Pakistani athletes face the risk of being barred from all WADA-recognized competitions, including the Olympics. With limited opportunities already available for local athletes, delays in compliance could prove costly.
Experts point out that Pakistan should learn from the experience of countries such as North Korea, El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Sierra Leone, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Brazil, which have faced similar scrutiny from WADA in the past.
