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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office said on Thursday Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed “regional issues” during a phone call with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul, as the two countries deal with the issue of Afghan refugees stranded in Pakistan.

Germany paused its humanitarian relocation program for vulnerable Afghans earlier this year, leaving thousands in limbo. Pakistan, meanwhile, has announced it will continue deportations of Afghan nationals, setting a September 1 deadline for registered refugees to leave.

Rights groups warn that those approved for resettlement in Germany face heightened risks in their homeland, where many had worked alongside Western forces after the Taliban regime was toppled following the 2001 US invasion.

German ministers also came under legal pressure at home amid fears Pakistan may expel vulnerable Afghans in the absence of coordinated Western resettlement measures.

“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, received a call last night from German Foreign Minister, Dr. Johann Wadephul @AussenMinDE,” the foreign office said in a brief statement.

“The two leaders affirmed their resolve to further strengthen mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, and underscored the importance of high-level contacts,” it added. “They also exchanged views on regional issues.”

The statement did not specify which regional issues were discussed.

Germany remains one of Pakistan’s key development and trade partners.

In February, the two sides signed a €45 million technical cooperation agreement on climate and energy, economic growth, employment, health and social protection.

Pakistan’s climate ministry also interacted with German experts this year to discuss building the country’s carbon market infrastructure.

Both governments have reaffirmed defense and regional stability cooperation in a series of high-level contacts in 2025.

DUBAI: Here, Saudi influencer Nojoud Al-Rumaihi talks style inspirations, embracing structure, and bad advice. 

Favorite TV show or film? 

“Friends.” It’s my emotional safe zone. To me, it feels like a warm blanket, no matter what’s going on in life. I also like “Game of Thrones.” It is a masterpiece in my opinion, well, most of it. It is visually powerful, emotionally gripping and full of unforgettable characters. My favorite film is “The Devil Wears Prada.” It’s my forever fashion bible. It just hits every time and reminds me why I love what I do. 

Worst TV show/film? 

“You” from season 3 onwards. It lost all its charm.  

Best personal style moment? 

A simple pair of jeans and a tank top is my personal uniform. Clean, classic and always relevant. It’s effortless and timeless. 

Worst personal style moment? 

Trying red hair. In theory it looked great, but not in real life. Some experiments belong in the archives. 

Best accessory for a little black dress? 

A bold sculptural earring or a strong cuff — something with presence. A minimal-outfit-maximum-impact approach. 

Worst accessory for a little black dress? 

Mini novelty bags. They add nothing but clutter. They’re not functional and have zero style longevity. 

Best fashion trend of 2025? 

Structured volume. I think it makes a statement without looking chaotic. I also like pastels, especially butter yellow. It’s a very trendy color this season. I feel like it’s soft, optimistic and unexpectedly sharp. 

Worst fashion trend of 2025? 

I don’t like plastic-looking fabrics. They instantly cheapen any look. I’d also say indie sleaze is back, but most of it should have stayed archived. It feels forced and messy. 

Best advice you’ve ever been given?   

“Visibility isn’t value.” It’s so true. I also agree with “Consistency is king. Show up, even when it’s quiet.” 

Worst advice you’ve ever been given? 

“Know your limits.” It just limits your belief, but they disguised it in wisdom. It’s best to ignore this and whoever says it. 

Best book you’ve ever read? 

“The Forty Rules of Love” by Elif Shafak. It’s deeply moving, spiritually grounding and timeless in its wisdom. 

Worst book you’ve ever read?    

Those generic self-help books with recycled quotes and no real depth. They’re all noise, no clarity. 

Best thing to do when you’re feeling low? 

Move. Go for a walk, stretch, or do anything to change your state. Although sometimes, you do just need to sit with it. Let yourself feel it before trying to fix it. 

Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?   

Overcommitting. When you’re feeling productive and positive, that high can make you say “yes” to things you shouldn’t agree to. 

Best holiday destination? 

Patina in the Maldives. To me, this is where peace meets thoughtful design. And Switzerland is our family sanctuary. It’s calm, clean and very grounding. 

Worst holiday destination? 

Overpriced tourist traps dressed up as “authentic” — built for Instagram and empty of experience. 

Best subject at school? 

It wasn’t at school, but a subject I studied when doing my master’s: branding. It just clicked instantly. It’s like learning the language of impact. 

Worst subject at school? 

Math. No matter how hard I tried, we just never got along. 

Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?  

Start with intention. Set two or three non-negotiables and don’t overload your plate with tasks. Focus beats frenzy. 

Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day? 

Opening your phone first thing. The scroll spiral kills momentum and makes you overstimulated. There’s just too much input with no clarity. 

Best concert you’ve ever been to? 

Coldplay in Manchester. It was euphoric, emotional and unforgettable. 

Worst concert you’ve ever been to? 

Beyoncé in London. I wanted to love it, but it just didn’t land for me. My expectations were high, but it felt distant. 

Best social-media platform? 

Snapchat. It’s my unfiltered space. It feels personal and real. Also Pinterest is where I escape and dream. 

Worst social-media platform? 

X. Too much noise and not enough substance.