Islamabad — Germany has raised concerns over Pakistan’s recent deportation of 211 Afghans. These individuals had reportedly been granted resettlement rights under Berlin’s humanitarian admission programme. However, critics point to Germany’s own suspension of the programme after the 2025 elections, leaving thousands of Afghans stranded despite earlier promises.
Humanitarian Programme Suspended After Election
The German government launched its humanitarian admission scheme to resettle vulnerable Afghans, including those who had worked with NATO and international agencies. Under this plan, Berlin pledged to admit 2,000 at-risk Afghans. But after the 2025 election, Germany suspended the programme indefinitely. This decision left many Afghans in Pakistan and Afghanistan waiting for relocation.
Observers argue that this suspension amounts to an undeclared refugee ban. “Germany abandoned Afghan refugees by freezing its relocation programme,” said a regional analyst, calling the move inconsistent with Berlin’s earlier pledges.
Double Standards Under Scrutiny
Criticism has intensified after Germany expressed concern over Pakistan’s deportations while continuing to deport Afghans from its own soil to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Analysts see this as evidence of double standards. “Berlin cannot criticize Islamabad while ignoring its own deportation record,” noted a migration expert.
Pakistan has extended deportation deadlines multiple times at the request of the international community. Officials argue that the country cannot indefinitely shoulder the refugee burden alone, especially amid rising security threats linked to cross-border militancy. “Western states often deport Afghans over minor immigration violations, while Pakistan faces real terrorism risks,” said a senior Pakistani official.
Pakistan Seeks Reciprocity
For over four decades, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees, often with limited international assistance. Critics say Western nations, including Germany, have failed to match their humanitarian rhetoric with concrete support. The contradiction between Germany’s stated commitments and current policies has raised questions about Berlin’s credibility and consistency.
Experts urge Germany to adopt a clear and consistent refugee policy that protects those already promised sanctuary. Failure to do so, they warn, will undermine trust and worsen the humanitarian crisis.
With thousands of Afghans still in limbo, the suspension of the humanitarian programme has become a major test of Germany’s commitment to its international obligations.
