https://arab.news/22y4b
- The two countries signed a €45 million cooperation deal this year on climate, energy and social protection
- Both governments also reaffirmed defense and regional stability ties in a series of 2025 high-level contacts
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.