Pakistan Demands German Aid, Warns of Deporting Vulnerable Afghans

DID Press: Pakistan’s defense minister warned that due to Germany’s slow pace in accepting former Afghan local staff, Islamabad will only continue hosting them if Berlin pays for their security costs. Otherwise, Pakistan may return these individuals to Afghanistan — a move that could put their lives in serious danger.

In an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt, Pakistan’s defense minister urged Germany to provide financial support to ensure the security of Afghan local employees who fled to Pakistan after the Taliban’s return to power. He warned that continued delays by Germany may force Pakistan to send them back to Afghanistan.

According to him, these former local staff — who worked with German forces during their military presence in Afghanistan — face direct threats under Taliban rule. Returning them could lead to severe punishment or even death. “These people cannot simply be deported; they might face an execution order the day after their return. Money might be able to guarantee their safety,” he stressed.

Hundreds of these Afghans are currently living in Pakistan in a state of uncertainty, while the process of transferring them to Germany remains extremely slow. Islamabad has announced that Germany has only until the end of this year to accept them; otherwise, Pakistan will proceed with deportations.

Germany has no formal relations with the Taliban government and provides its assistance to Afghanistan mainly through NGOs and the United Nations. Direct contact between Berlin and the Taliban remains minimal.

Pakistan’s new stance has reignited debate over the international responsibilities of countries toward vulnerable Afghans and former local staff — a group facing serious and imminent risks under Taliban rule.