At DIAFA ceremony in Dubai, Pakistani singer Ali Zafar highlights plight of Palestinians in Gaza

Ali Zafar holding 'Pakistani Singer Of The Year' award at DIAFA Awards in Dubai, UAE on November 23, 2023. (Photo courtesy: @aqsazohaib.portrait/Instagram)
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Updated 24 November 2023
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At DIAFA ceremony in Dubai, Pakistani singer Ali Zafar highlights plight of Palestinians in Gaza

  • Zafar received the 'Pakistani Singer of the Year' award for his outstanding contributions to music
  • The singer also entertained audience at the Dubai Festival City Mall by singing the song 'Jhoom'

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani singer Ali Zafar on Thursday highlighted the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza at the Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA) ceremony in Dubai. 

Zafar received the 'Pakistani Singer of the Year' award for his outstanding contributions to music and described it as a "big honour" for him. 

But the Pakistani singer did not forget the Palestinians while receiving the award and commended the DIAFA management for bringing the ongoing atrocities in Gaza to light at the ceremony. 

"I am indebted to the committee and the team and particularly moved by the gesture that this ceremony brings to light the plights of a very important cause which is what is happening in Gaza, what has been happening in Palestine for decades," he said. 

Zafar also entertained the audience at the Dubai Festival City Mall by singing the song 'Jhoom.' 

The 'rockstar' was later seen mingling with Pakistani and Indian celebrities in pictures widely shared on social media.

Ali is not the first Pakistani singer to speak up for the Palestinians facing Israeli atrocities in Gaza. 

Previously, Atif Aslam not only spoke in favour of the Palestinian people, but also donated Rs15 million ($54,547) to a Pakistani charity, Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, in aid for the besieged residents of Gaza. 

These Pakistanis have supported the Palestinians at a time when majority of celebrities and prominent figures across the world have mostly kept mum, fearing a fallout from speaking up against Israel’s war on Gaza that has killed thousands of Palestinians


Pakistan U19 to open tri-series against Afghanistan on Saturday in Zimbabwe

Updated 26 December 2025
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Pakistan U19 to open tri-series against Afghanistan on Saturday in Zimbabwe

  • Pakistan enter the tournament as U19 Asia Cup champions after beating India by 191 runs in Dubai
  • The tri-series is seen as key preparation for next month’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s under-19 cricket team will begin their tri-series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday in Harare, using the tournament as a key preparation for next month’s ICC Men’s U19 World Cup co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Pakistan, the reigning ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup champions, are competing in the 50-over tri-series alongside Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe, with each team playing the others twice before the top two advance to the final on Jan. 6.

Pakistan won the eight-team Asia Cup in Dubai earlier this month, beating India by 191 runs in the final, and will play a minimum of four matches in the tri-series, starting at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

“The Asia Cup was a good win for us and the players showed great morale and intensity,” Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf said, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “The tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.”

Pakistan will face Zimbabwe on Dec. 29 before meeting Afghanistan again on Jan. 2, followed by a second match against the hosts on Jan. 4. Matches will be played across venues in Harare, including Harare Sports Club, Prince Edward School and Sunrise Sports Club.

The tri-series is being seen as an important warm-up ahead of the U19 World Cup, which will be held from Jan. 15 to Feb. 6. Pakistan are placed in Group C and will play all their group-stage matches in Harare.

“The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations,” Yousaf said. “Both teams in the tournament are strong and competitive and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”

Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against England on Jan. 16, followed by matches against Scotland and Zimbabwe, with the Super Six stage beginning on Jan. 25 and the final scheduled for Feb. 6 at Harare Sports Club.