UNHCR, Peshawar Zalmi call for empathy towards refugees, asylum-seekers

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Peshawar Zalmi have reaffirmed their collaboration to promote empathy, dignity and solidarity for displaced communities

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Feb, 2026) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) 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, said a press release.

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 Wednesday in Islamabad, attended by UNHCR Representative in Pakistan, Philippa Candler and Chief Operating Officer of Peshawar Zalmi, Mian Abbas Layaq.

Speaking at the event, 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, 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.