Pakistan holds a ‘momentous place’ in the Muslim world, Al-Juhani says

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Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al-Juhani, imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah met with Pakistan army's top commander, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, on Monday. (Photo by ISPR)
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Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al-Juhani, imam at the Grand Mosque in Makkah called on President Dr. Arif Alvi in Islamabad on Monday April 15, 2019 – (President Office)
Updated 16 April 2019
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Pakistan holds a ‘momentous place’ in the Muslim world, Al-Juhani says

  • Makkah Grand Mosque imam stresses on the need to intensify efforts for peace and harmony
  • Says relations between the two countries is based on faith

ISLAMABAD: Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al-Juhani, an imam at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, held talks with Pakistan's military chief on Monday wherein he said that the country holds a "momentous place in the Muslim world."

Al-Juhani also told General Qamar Javed Bajwa that he appreciated the positive role played by Pakistan in maintaining regional peace and stability.
“Both expressed satisfaction on the brotherly relations between the two countries and stressed upon the need for intensifying efforts to enhance peace and harmony in the Muslim world,” a statement released by the military's media wing, the ISPR, read.
Earlier in the day, Al-Juhani had also held a meeting with President Dr. Arif Alvi wherein he said that bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were not based on diplomacy alone, but on faith as well.

"Imam Al-Juhani said that the relationship of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not merely a diplomatic one but is based on faith,” a statement released by the President's Office read, adding that the imam “stressed that there should be more frequent exchange of delegations between the two countries in various fields.”
Dr. Alvi, for his part, said that Pakistan highly valued its relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the two countries share mutual "bonds of history, culture, traditions, faith, and values."
Recalling Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's "highly successful" visit to Pakistan in February this year, he added that the crown prince had "won the hearts of Pakistani people with his generous offer to support the Pakistani community."
The president further appreciated Saudi Arabia for the support extended to Pakistani pilgrims visiting the Kingdom for Hajj and Umrah each year. He also welcomed Saudi's "decision to increase the Hajj quota for Pakistan to 200,000," in addition to "including Pakistan in its Road to Makkah initiative,” the statement read.
Dr. Alvi added that the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia serves as a strong bridge between the two brotherly countries.
“Pakistanis consider Saudi Arabia as their second home and work devotedly for the progress and prosperity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement added.
Imam Al-Juhani, on Sunday, had addressed the  fourth International Message of Islam Conference in Islamabad where he underlined that the "teachings of Islam have nothing to do with terrorism, extremism and sectarian violence."
A joint statement issued after the conference stressed that Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and forbearance, adding that “elements responsible for fanning terrorism, extremism and sectarian violence are enemies of Islam and Muslims."
The conference also decided to call for a meeting between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other Muslim countries to finalize the mechanism for an Islamic Ideological Alliance, adding that "the Muslim Ummah is not negligent toward its responsibility" to ensure security and stability in Saudi Arabia.
"Defense of Harmain Al Sharifain is part of every Muslim's faith and no one will be allowed to play with it's peace and security,” the statement said.


PCB sets Feb. 11 as date for player auction for Pakistan Super League 11th edition

Updated 25 January 2026
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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.