Berlin Pressures Islamabad Amid Refugee Deportation Row
Image via IANS
Berlin/Islamabad, Aug 19 (TheTrendingPeople): Germany has called on Pakistan to allow the return of 211 Afghan refugees who were deported to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, insisting that they are part of Berlin’s special resettlement programme and must be permitted to continue visa processing and protection procedures.
According to Germany’s Foreign Ministry, the deported Afghans were among those already accepted under the programme, which was launched in 2021 following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul. The initiative was designed to offer safe passage and resettlement to Afghans who had worked with German forces and institutions.
German Foreign Ministry’s Appeal
On Monday, German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joseph Hintersir urged Islamabad to reverse its deportations, stating:
“We call on Pakistan to allow those affected to return to Pakistan so that their visa process with Germany can continue.”
He further revealed that Pakistani police had detained around 450 Afghans linked to Germany’s relocation plan, with at least 211 already deported to Afghanistan, raising concerns about their safety under Taliban rule.
Pakistan’s Crackdown on Undocumented Migrants
The deportations come as Pakistan enforces a stricter policy towards undocumented migrants. Authorities have recently designated Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, and Haripur as “safe zones”—areas where only foreigners with valid visas may reside.
Key measures announced include:
- Ban on residence or settlement for undocumented migrants in major cities.
- Creation of a joint database to track foreign nationals, accessible to multiple state agencies.
- Ban on SIM card issuance and property transactions for individuals without valid visas.
The crackdown is seen as part of Pakistan’s broader effort to regulate migration flows, particularly in response to the large Afghan refugee population that has surged since 2021.
Humanitarian Concerns Mount
International observers and human rights organisations have voiced alarm over the humanitarian consequences of Pakistan’s mass deportations. Analysts warn that Afghans who worked with foreign missions—including Germany—are now at risk of reprisals from the Taliban.
The deportation dispute highlights a broader challenge: how to balance domestic security concerns with international humanitarian commitments. More than 2,000 Afghan applicants remain in limbo, awaiting clearance under Germany’s programme.
Why It Matters
The crisis underscores the fragile position of Afghan refugees caught between shifting political and security dynamics in South Asia. Germany’s demand not only reflects its responsibility toward former Afghan partners but also tests Pakistan’s willingness to cooperate with international relocation efforts.
The outcome of this standoff could determine whether Afghans who assisted foreign governments can rely on credible international protection in the future—or face abandonment amid tightening border restrictions.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Germany’s sharp call on Pakistan signals growing tension between humanitarian responsibility and national security enforcement. While Islamabad presses ahead with its strict migration measures, Berlin’s demand highlights the urgent need for international coordination to safeguard vulnerable Afghans.
With thousands still awaiting relocation, the fate of deported refugees remains uncertain—posing a critical test for global refugee protection frameworks.