Pakistan launches effort to trace missing boxer Qudratullah after Commonwealth Gam­es in Glasgow

Pakistani authorities have launched a high-level investigation to locate boxer Qudratullah, who vanished after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 20-year-old athlete was part of the national contingent that was scheduled to depart for Pakistan but failed to board the flight. Sources describe the disappearance as a high-profile case that has negatively impacted the country's image.

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Until around 2:00am in Glasgow, when the contingent was due to leave for Pakistan the following morning, every member of the contingent was present at one place.

According to a member of the Pakistan contingent who spoke anonymously, all members were accounted for until the early hours of the departure day. Athletes had returned to their respective rooms provided by the Games organizers. Qudratullah also went to his room, but later disappeared. The official lamented that despite preventive measures, including the contingent management holding passports and air tickets, the boxer still managed to go missing.

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Later in the night, as the Games organisers had provided separate accommodation for each athlete, everyone returned to their respective rooms. Qudratullah also went to his room.

Government agencies are actively working to determine Qudratullah's whereabouts. Officials noted that while British authorities issued six-month visas to the Pakistani contingent, the case might not be treated with urgency until the visa validity nears its end. Qudratullah, associated with the Pakistan Army, had competed in the men's 60kg category and lost his match to Northern Ireland's Jude Gallagher.

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The passports and air tickets of all contingent mem­bers, including Qudra­tullah, were in the custody of the head of the contingent. Despite taking all the preventive measures that the contingent management could, Qudratullah still managed to disappear. It is extremely unfortunate and has tarnished the country’s image.

This incident marks a recurrence of such disappearances involving Pakistani athletes. During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, two boxers also failed to return home. More recently, in 2024, boxer Zohaib Rasheed went missing in Italy while representing Pakistan at an Olympic qualifying event. The Pakistan Boxing Federation has not yet commented on the matter.

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The authorities are trying to determine Qudratullah’s whereabouts. If he intends to apply for asylum, it may not be possible under the circumstances.