FM Dar receives calls from German counterpart

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a phone call on Wednesday night from German Foreign Minister Dr Johann Wadephul, the Foreign Office said on Thursday. 

The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen “mutually beneficial cooperation, and understood the importance of high-level contacts”.

The two leaders also discussed their views on regional issues.

The German foreign ministry had announced earlier this week that it would be lifting its ban on entry of Afghan nationals after growing legal pressure at home and a deportation push by Pakistan.

Around 2,000 Afghans were approved for relocation to Germany under a programme for individuals considered at risk under Taliban rule. These 2,000 individuals have been stranded in Pakistan for months, after Berlin halted the initiative amid a pledge to limit migration.

The decision to resume migration came after several lawsuits were filed by groups and affected Afghan individuals, questioning the freeze.

This decision cames amid Pakistan’s move to expel Afghan refugees ahead of the September 1 deadline, which includes those part of Germany’s relocation programme.


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