ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan will travel to Geneva to co-convene the first Global Refugee Forum (GRF) which begins on December 17, 2019, the PM’s Office said in a statement released on Monday.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Switzerland are co-hosting the event.
PM Khan, along with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and other leaders from Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Germany, were chosen. For the initiative in recognition of the exemplary roles played by them for the protection and well-being of refugees.
“The Global Refugee Forum – the first major meeting on refugees of the 21st century – will be jointly hosted by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the Government of Switzerland on 17-18 December 2019,” excerpts from the statement read.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will also be speaking at the forum which is expected to galvanize political support and solidarity and broaden the base of commitments from states, international organizations, private sectors, and civil society to deal with the issue.
“The prime minister will articulate Pakistan’s perspective, experience, and contribution to the Afghan refugees. Co-convening of the GRF is recognition of Pakistan’s generosity, humanitarian leadership, and compassion of the people of Pakistan toward their Afghan brothers and sisters for the past 40 years,” the statement read.
During his stay in Geneva, PM Khan will also hold talks with his counterparts and the UN leadership, in addition to attending a luncheon hosted by the UN Secretary-General.
Around 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees reside in Pakistan.
On June 28, Pakistan decided to extend the duration of their stay until June 30, 2020.
The UN refugee agency welcomed the government’s decision, commending Pakistan for being “an exemplary host” and vowing to support the government’s policies which promote voluntary repatriation.
Pakistan to co-convene first forum on global refugees
https://arab.news/zjtb2
Pakistan to co-convene first forum on global refugees
- Geneva meeting will be the first major initiative on the topic
- Nearly 1.4mn Afghan refugees reside in Pakistan
Pakistan beat UAE to secure semifinal berth in U-19 Asia Cup
- Pakistan scored a total of 241 runs, dismiss UAE for 171 in 37.5 overs
- Final match of ACC Men’s U19 tournament will be played on Dec. 21
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team advanced to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s semifinals on Tuesday after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 70 runs in Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 241 for the loss of nine wickets after opting to bat first at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy Ground.
Ahmed Hussain, in his 65-run knock, smashed four boundaries while Sameer Minhas scored 44. Wicketkeeper-batter Hamza made 42 runs to help Pakistan score 241-9 after 50 overs.
“Today’s win secured Pakistan U19 a place in the semifinals of the tournament after winning two of their group matches,” the PCB said in a statement.
“They will face the top side of Group ‘B’ on Friday, 19 December.”
UAE’s Yug Sharma picked three wickets while Naseem Khan bagged two. UAE were dismissed by 171 in 37.5 overs despite a half-century by Ayaan Misbah, who scored 77 off 74 balls that included four boundaries.
Pakistan’s right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan, who was awarded the Player of the Match award, led the bowling attack and clinched four wickets for 31.
Right-arm leg spinner Ahmed, Mohammad Sayyam and Momin Qamar picked a wicket each.
The tournament underway from Dec. 12 features eight teams competing in a 50‑over format across group and knockout stages.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi‑finals on Dec. 19.
The final will be played on Dec. 21.
