The Zalmi Foundation and the Commonwealth Secretariat have officially launched the ‘Peace at the Crease’ initiative in Islamabad, Pakistan. This joint effort aims to harness the unifying power of sport to bring young people from diverse backgrounds together, promoting Commonwealth values such as peace, tolerance, and equality.
The launch event was attended by notable figures including the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashood, and COO of Peshawar Zalmi, Mian Abbas Layaq.
The ‘Peace at the Crease’ initiative was initially conceived during a meeting last year between Zalmi Foundation Chairman Mr. Javed Afridi and Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland in London. This meeting, held in connection with the Commonwealth Year of Youth celebrations, focused on spreading the message of peace through sports and empowering young people.
During the launch event, Mian Abbas Layaq welcomed the distinguished guests and emphasized the significance of the initiative. He highlighted the role of sport in fostering unity and providing opportunities for youth development.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland expressed her delight at being in Pakistan and underscored the importance of the initiative. She noted that the collaboration between the Zalmi Foundation and the Commonwealth would create programs for youth in Pakistan, not only in sports but also in other areas of life. The initiative aims to promote peace, create opportunities for youth advancement, and focus on women’s empowerment through sport.
Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, expressed his pleasure in working with the Zalmi Foundation on this initiative. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing opportunities for youth through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and looked forward to future collaborations with both the Zalmi Foundation and the Commonwealth.
Javed Afridi, Chairman of Peshawar Zalmi and the Zalmi Foundation, welcomed Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland to Pakistan. He expressed his honor in launching the ‘Peace at the Crease’ initiative and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to working with the Commonwealth on various projects to uplift communities and empower youth.
The Zalmi Foundation, affiliated with the Commonwealth, has a history of working with the UNHCR on education, health, and youth programs in Pakistan. This new collaboration with the Commonwealth aims to further these efforts and continue the mission of promoting peace and development through sport.
The ‘Peace at the Crease’ initiative marks the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at creating a positive impact on the lives of young people in Pakistan. The Zalmi Foundation and the Commonwealth Secretariat plan to continue this initiative and expand its reach in the future.
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