Pakistan football is beginning to show signs of recovery after a decade of administrative turmoil, with young players once again securing opportunities abroad following the Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) elections conducted by FIFA’s Normalisation Committee.

Years of internal disputes and legal battles deprived the country of international competition and domestic tournaments, stalling the development of a generation of footballers.

Recent overseas moves by emerging players suggest the situation is improving.

In April, rookie striker Kaleemullah Junior signed for Turkish club Sariyer SK. Midfielder and Pakistan Under-17 captain Abdul Samad Khan has now entered into a two-year deal with Azerbaijani champions Qarabag FK, where he will play in the club’s youth setup. The youth league is scheduled to begin in September.

Samad, who plays for Islamabad-based Popo FC and hails from Manyar village in Swat district, said the move would help him develop as a player.

“InshaAllah, this will be very supportive for me,” Samad told The Express Tribune. “Football here is of a very high standard and I hope to achieve my goals and become a better footballer. I was selected after three to four days of trials. The documentation process will take some time, but it is a great opportunity to play for Qarabag.”

Popo FC and former Pakistan head coach Shehzad Anwar, who facilitated the transfer and accompanied Samad during the process, said exposure to a competitive environment would accelerate the youngster’s development.

“It will definitely help Samad,” Shehzad told this correspondent.

 “We also have another player whose move is pending and is expected to sign with the same club.”

Pakistan players previously secured overseas opportunities in 2014, when several senior internationals, including former Pakistan captain Kaleemullah, joined Kyrgyzstan club Dordoi Bishkek in a move facilitated by then Pakistan Serbian coach Zavisa Milosavljevic, who was also managing the club.

Kaleemullah later played in the United States, Turkey and other countries while several Pakistani footballers also featured in leagues in Bahrain and the Maldives.

Some Pakistani footballers also got opportunities to play in Bahrain and Maldives leagues. However the massive halt in football activities due to internal dispute made the things extremely changed and hundreds of top footballers careers destroyed.

However, the prolonged suspension of football activities caused by disputes halted that momentum, leaving many players without competitive football and disrupting the development pathway.

With the PFF elections now conducted a year ago, hopes have been revived that Pakistani players will gain more opportunities to compete overseas, providing valuable experience that could contribute to the long-term growth of the country’s football.