Afghan Deportations Draw Protests in Germany, Health Warning in Pakistan

DID Press: Germany has resumed the deportation of Afghan nationals despite public protests, while Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned that Pakistan’s ongoing expulsions of Afghan refugees are creating a worsening humanitarian and public health crisis.

Around 250 protesters gathered at Leipzig Airport on Monday evening to oppose the forced deportation of Afghan migrants as a charter flight carrying about 30 Afghan nationals departed for Kabul.

Demonstrators condemned the return of Afghans to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and questioned the German government’s engagement with the Taliban. Juliane Nagel, a lawmaker from Germany’s Left Party in the Saxony state parliament, criticized the deportations, describing Afghanistan’s human rights and economic conditions as “catastrophic.”

Despite the protests, the charter flight departed Leipzig at 1:43 a.m. Tuesday. Saxony’s Interior Ministry confirmed that around 30 Afghan nationals were aboard the flight. Armin Schuster, Saxony’s interior minister, defended the operation, saying those deported had been convicted of serious crimes and that protecting public security remained the government’s priority.

Meanwhile, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) urged Pakistan to halt the forced return of Afghan refugees, warning that fear of arrest and deportation is preventing many Afghans from seeking essential healthcare.

The medical charity said the situation has contributed to preventable health problems, including child malnutrition and pregnancy-related complications. According to data from its mobile clinics in Quetta, nearly 90% of children treated for acute malnutrition in early 2026 were Afghan refugees.

MSF called on host countries to suspend forced deportations until conditions in Afghanistan allow for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees.