LONDON: Britain said on Friday it would release 30 million pounds ($41 million) of aid to support nations neighboring Afghanistan dealing with refugees fleeing the country since the Taliban took control.
The British government said 10 million pounds would immediately be made available to the UN refugee agency UNHCR and other humanitarian groups to help with shelters and sanitation facilities at the borders.
The remainder will go to nations that experienced a significant number of refugees to provide essential services and supplies, it said.
“It is vital that we help those fleeing Afghanistan and do not allow the crisis there to undermine regional stability,” British foreign minister Dominic Raab said.
The UNHCR has said up to half a million Afghans could flee their homeland by the end of the year. Many fleeing the country are believed to be heading to Pakistan, while another of Afghanistan’s neighbors Tajikistan has pledged to accept 100,000 refugees.
Britain itself has said it would take some 20,000 Afghan refugees with 5,000 expected to arrive in the first year.
Earlier this month, Britain announced it would double its humanitarian and development aid to Afghanistan to 286 million pounds this year, and Raab said on a visit to Qatar on Thursday there was a need to engage with the Taliban.
($1 = 0.7234 pounds)
UK says will pay to shelter refugees in Afghanistan’s neighbors, including Pakistan
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UK says will pay to shelter refugees in Afghanistan’s neighbors, including Pakistan
- UNHCR has said up to half a million Afghans could flee their homeland by the end of the year
- Many fleeing the country are believed to be heading to 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.
