Pakistan Urges Germany to Pay Taliban for Protection of Afghan Workers
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has called on the German government to negotiate with the Taliban and even offer financial compensation in order to ensure the safety of former local staff still stranded in Afghanistan.
In an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt, Asif warned that if Germany delays accepting these individuals, Pakistan will deport them back to Afghanistan. He emphasized that these people cannot simply be expelled only to face possible execution the following day, stating, “Money might help to secure their safety.”
Hundreds of these former local employees fled to Pakistan following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. However, efforts to relocate them to Germany have progressed slowly, leaving many in a state of uncertainty. Pakistan has said it is giving Germany until the end of this year to take them in, after which they will be deported.
While Germany does not maintain formal relations with the Taliban administration, limited discussions have taken place concerning the repatriation of Afghan refugees. Germany’s aid to Afghanistan is primarily channeled through the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, with direct contact with the Taliban kept to a minimum.
The Pakistani defence minister’s latest proposal raises renewed questions about the international obligations of countries toward vulnerable Afghan citizens and former local staff now at risk under Taliban rule.
