Over 280 Afghans taken into custody by Pakistani authorities during university admission processes
In Pakistan, around 280 Afghan nationals awaiting resettlement in Germany are currently being detained, due to a combination of factors related to their relocation process and the threat of deportations.
Reasons for Detention
The closure of the German Embassy in Kabul following the Taliban takeover in August 2021 has led to a lengthy vetting process for Afghan nationals in Pakistan. This delay has caused uncertainty and increased tensions, contributing to the detention of these individuals. Additionally, Pakistan's plans for a third phase of deportations targeting Afghans with residence cards has added to the pressure on those awaiting resettlement elsewhere.
Current Status
Pakistani authorities have detained approximately 280 Afghans awaiting relocation to Germany. Among them, around 35 individuals have already been deported back to Afghanistan. The German government is actively engaged in high-level discussions with Pakistani authorities to address the situation. They are working to secure the release of detained individuals, particularly those deemed vulnerable, and are providing support through local service providers.
A recent court ruling in Germany has pressured the government to honor its admission commitments. This includes issuing visas to Afghan families who have been granted entry under various programs.
Ongoing Challenges
Over 2,000 Afghans remain in Pakistan, awaiting their exit to Germany, including former local staff and vulnerable individuals. The situation remains critical, with ongoing arrests and deportations. International pressure and legal obligations are driving efforts to resolve the situation.
The intake programs for Afghans were stopped by the coalition government at the beginning of May. Kabul Air Bridge has called for the immediate issuance of visas for the affected individuals.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior has sent employees of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees to Pakistan for individual examinations, with the priority being to ensure the safety and security of particularly at-risk persons. The German government continues to advocate for the journalist's release, as called for by Reporters Without Borders.
The situation in Pakistan is a complex interplay between resettlement program delays, legal obligations, and deportation pressures. Diplomatic efforts and legal actions are being taken to address the crisis and secure the safety and wellbeing of the detained Afghans.
- The lengthy vetting process for Afghan nationals in Pakistan, instigated by the closure of the German Embassy and threatened deportations, has led to the detention of approximately 280 individuals within the realms of politics and general-news.
- The ongoing challenges in Pakistan, including the detentions and deportations of Afghans, have sparked calls for action in the crime-and-justice sector, with organizations such as Kabul Air Bridge and Reporters Without Borders urging for immediate interventions.
