ISLAMABAD: With the onset of winter, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Pakistan said it has suspended its repatriation efforts for Afghan refugees from December 1 to February next year, a statement released by the global body said on Monday.
The specific areas where the operations will be halted for the duration include Azakhel, Nowshera and Baleli, and Quetta from the Voluntary Repatriation Centers (VRCs) in Pakistan; while Kabul, Samar Khel, and Jamal Mayna Encashment Centers will be impacted in Afghanistan.
The UNHCR added that the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, however, will retain its validity, with registered PoR cardholders to be accorded their full rights as refugees in Pakistan. “Registered refugees (PoR cardholders) who face harassment, extortion or ill-treatment should contact UNHCR for assistance or call the protection helpline numbers,” the UNHCR said in a notification.
According to the UNHCR, Pakistan is the second-largest refugee-hosting country, with nearly 1.4 million documented Afghans living in the country with PoR cards. However, authorities in Pakistan say nearly one million unregistered Afghan refugees reside in the country.
On November 7 this year, both Pakistan and Afghanistan held their second round of talks for the Refugee Working Group (RWG) in Islamabad --- under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Stability (APAPPS) --- to discuss matters related to Afghan refugees and nationals illegally residing in Pakistan.
“Both sides deliberated on ways to enhance mutual cooperation for a dignified, gradual, time-bound, and complete return of the Afghan nationals to their country. It was also decided to observe the agreed timelines and procedures for repatriation of various categories of these persons to Afghanistan,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry had said in a statement at the time.
UNHCR suspends repatriation operations from Pakistan
UNHCR suspends repatriation operations from Pakistan
- Nearly 1.4 million Afghan refugees living in the country, data shows
- Process to be halted until February next year
PCB sets Feb. 11 as date for player auction for Pakistan Super League 11th edition
- The squad composition would be a minimum of 16 players and a maximum of 20
- The number of foreign players would be five to seven depending on the squad size
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced that the player auction for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held on Feb. 11, setting the stage for franchises to begin assembling squads for the country’s premier Twenty20 tournament.
The development came after a workshop regarding PSL player auction at the Qaddafi Stadium, which was presided over by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and PSL CEO Salman Naseer.
The workshop was attended by PSL officials, all eight franchise representatives, members of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, PCB officials and other capped players.
“The HBL PSL management shared a detailed presentation on the mechanics of the retention and the auction process and consulted with all the participants,” the PCB said.
“It was agreed that the HBL PSL player auction will take place on Wednesday, 11 February.”
The squad composition would be a minimum of 16 players and maximum of 20 players per franchise. The number of foreign players would be five to seven depending on the squad size, according to the PCB.
It would be mandatory for the franchises to play minimum of three and maximum of four foreign players in the playing XI. The teams are also required to have minimum of two uncapped Under 23 players in the squad and one in the playing XI.
Players either retained or picked in the auction will be engaged for two-year contracts with their respective franchise teams, the board said, adding that franchise teams will be able to retain a maximum of seven players for the 12th edition of the tournament.
“I’m delighted that a consultative and productive session was held between the franchises, players and management today resulting in informed and strategic decisions which will pave the way for bright future for the HBL PSL,” Naqvi said.
“The Player Auction model is a landmark step for the HBL PSL, offering players better financial opportunities through an increased salary purse and a transparent acquisition process, while making the league more competitive and attractive.”
PSL CEO Naseer said the player auction system modernizes player recruitment by promoting fairness, transparency, and market-driven value, strengthening the PSL’s appeal for both players and franchises.
“Today’s workshop saw all views being taken into consideration and this rich feedback will be reflected in our execution of a successful player auction scheduled next month,” he said.
PSL has become a key pillar of the country’s cricket economy, providing financial stability to the PCB and serving as a talent pipeline for the national team. The 11th edition of the league is set to begin from Mar. 26 while the final is expected to be played on May 3, as per the PCB’s schedule.
