Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 18 February 2026
UNIC-Islamabad
18 February 2026
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UNHCR
PRESS RELEASE
UNHCR, Peshawar Zalmi call for empathy towards refugees, asylum-seekers
UNHCR and Peshawar Zalmi have renewed their long-standing partnership, reiterating their call for greater compassion towards refugees and asylum-seekers.
ISLAMABAD, 17 February 2026: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and Peshawar Zalmi have reaffirmed their collaboration to promote empathy, dignity and solidarity for displaced communities.
Since 2016, UNHCR and Peshawar Zalmi have worked together on initiatives supporting refugees. As a leading franchise of the Pakistan Super League, the team has harnessed the unifying power of sport to amplify refugee voices and share their stories with broader audiences.
Through this partnership, Peshawar Zalmi has highlighted that refugees are not defined by hardship, but by their resilience, talent and potential.
A partnership announcement ceremony was held on Tuesday 17th February 2026, in Islamabad, attended by Ms. Philippa Candler, UNHCR Representative in Pakistan, and Mr. Mian Abbas Layaq, Chief Operating Officer of Peshawar Zalmi.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Candler said UNHCR is proud to continue its collaboration with Peshawar Zalmi, whose consistent support has helped elevate refugee voices across Pakistan and beyond.
“This is not just a logo on a jersey — it is a badge of humanity, worn with pride by champions on and off the field,” she said.
She added that together, they are demonstrating that refugees are not forgotten — they are part of “our team, our stories, and our future.”
Delivering a message on behalf of Javed Afridi, Chairman of Peshawar Zalmi Foundation, Mr. Layaq emphasized the importance of empathy and dignity.
“Refugees share the same hopes and ambitions as anyone else. Their circumstances call for empathy and dignity,” he said.
“Cricket has the power to connect people across boundaries. Through our ongoing collaboration with UNHCR, we want to highlight the resilience and contributions of refugees. We are honoured to use our platform to foster understanding, solidarity and support for displaced families,” he added.
Media contact
Mr. Qaiser Khan Afridi, UNHCR Pakistan Spokesperson, +92-300-5018696
