Pakistan football team to travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for AFC Asian Cup qualifier camp

Pakistan football team to travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for AFC Asian Cup qualifier camp
The photo shared on June 18, 2023, shows the Pakistani football team posing for a photo. (Courtesy: Pakistan Football Federation/Twitter)
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Updated 19 March 2025
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Pakistan football team to travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for AFC Asian Cup qualifier camp

Pakistan football team to travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for AFC Asian Cup qualifier camp
  • Pakistan will face Syria in AFC Asian Cup qualifier fixture on Mar. 25 in Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahsa
  • Green shirts to resume training camp in Saudi Arabia under Head Coach Stephen Constantine

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's national football team will travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow, Thursday, where they will resume training for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier fixture against Syria, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) said in a statement. 

Pakistan will kick off their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification campaign against Syria on Mar. 25 at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. 

The green shirts concluded their training session in the eastern city of Lahore on Wednesday night, the PFF said. 

"The team is set to depart for Saudi Arabia tomorrow night, where they will continue their training under the guidance of Head Coach Stephen Constantine," the PFF said. 

Earlier this month, Pakistan reappointed Constantine, who previously served as the country's head coach from late 2023 until mid-2024, as head coach for the Syria fixture. 

Pakistan's inclusion in the qualifier was made possible after the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) lifted its international suspension against the country earlier this month. 

FIFA hit Pakistan on Feb. 6 with a third international suspension in less than eight years after the federation rejected its electoral reforms. Following the suspension, the PFF unanimously approved FIFA's proposed constitutional amendments in an extraordinary meeting in Lahore this month. 

Pakistan are placed in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers alongside Syria, Afghanistan and Myanmar.

PAKISTAN PROBABLES

Goal-Keepers: Yousuf Butt, Saqib Hanif, Abdul Basit and Adam Khan

Defenders: Abdullah Iqbal, Easah Suliman, Haseeb Khan, Junaid Shah, Mamoon Moosa, Mohammad Fazal, Abdul Rehman and Waqar Ihtisam

Midfielders: Alamgir Ghazi, Ali Uzair, Ali Zafar, Muhammad Umar Hayat, Rahis Nabi, Toqeer ul Hassan, Umair Ali and Moin Ahmed

Forwards: Fareedullah, Harun Hamid, Imran Kayani, Mckeal Abdullah, Abdul Samad, Shayak Dost and Muhammad Adeel Younas


Pakistan Pavilion inaugurated at Sharjah International Book Fair

Pakistan Pavilion inaugurated at Sharjah International Book Fair
Updated 11 November 2025
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Pakistan Pavilion inaugurated at Sharjah International Book Fair

Pakistan Pavilion inaugurated at Sharjah International Book Fair
  • Pavilion features Pakistani publishers showcasing literary and cultural heritage
  • Consul General urges community and visitors to support Pakistan’s publishing industry

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan inaugurated its national pavilion at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair on Tuesday, marking the country’s participation in one of the world’s largest literary exhibitions as it seeks to highlight its publishing heritage, cultural traditions, and contemporary creative output.

The Sharjah International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the Middle East and Asia, drawing hundreds of publishers, writers, scholars, students, and cultural organizations from across the region and beyond. Pakistan’s participation is seen as part of its efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy and expand the international visibility of its literary and publishing sectors.

The Pakistan pavilion, located in Hall 6 – Stand N1 at the Sharjah Expo Center, features several well-known Pakistani publishing houses, including Qudrat Ullah Publications (noted for its printed editions of the Qur’an), Zia-ul-Qur’an Publications, and Paramount Books.

Inaugurating the pavilion, Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, welcomed the participation of Pakistani publishers and exhibitors.

“Such platforms provide an excellent opportunity to highlight the diverse literary traditions, cultural richness, and creative potential of Pakistan,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by the Pakistan Press Information Department. 

The Consul General also conveyed appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, noting his “visionary efforts in promoting art, culture, literature, and academic excellence” in the emirate and internationally.

During his visit, the Consul General toured several official pavilions, including those representing Saudi Arabia, Oman, Sharjah Government institutions, and Abu Dhabi.

He also commended Sarmad Khan of Urdu World Books for establishing a dedicated stall promoting Pakistani literature, and encouraged the Pakistani community in the UAE, visitors, and students to attend and engage with the pavilion’s offerings.

The book fair will continue at the Sharjah Expo Center through the coming week.