ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines on Friday announced special flights to Iraq and Syria to facilitate people planning to visit the two Arab countries for the religious observance of Arba'een.
The occasion marks the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who lost his life on 10th Muharram during the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE).
The Pakistani airline will operate several flights to Baghdad, Najaf and Damascus between September 17 and 24.
"PIA always launches special flights on significant religious occasions to facilitate pilgrims," it said in an official statement. "The national airline has always been in the forefront of transporting these people to sacred places."
The special flights will depart from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
Last month, Pakistan discussed ways to facilitate pilgrims to Iraq during the visit of Iraqi foreign minister Dr. Fuad Hussein to Islamabad.
Iraqi and Syrian cities of Najaf, Karabala and Damascus hold tremendous significance for Shiites around the world, many of whom travel to these places during the first two months of the lunar Islamic calendar to recall the sacrifices made by the small army led by Husayn ibn Ali.
Pakistan to launch special flights for pilgrims to Iraq, Syria
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Pakistan to launch special flights for pilgrims to Iraq, Syria
- The country's national airline says it will operate several flights to Baghdad, Najaf and Damascus between September 17 and 24
- Last month, Pakistan and Iraq discussed ways to facilitate people who wanted to visit the holy shrines in the Arab state
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.
