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Most Afghans in Pakistan reject German cash offer, await uncertain futures

The issue has sparked criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, which took office in May 2025 and pledged in its coalition agreement to wind down voluntary federal admission programs, including those for Afghans.

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The majority of Afghan nationals stranded in Pakistan after being denied resettlement in Germany have rejected a German government offer of financial assistance in lieu of relocation, leaving hundreds facing an uncertain future, infomigrants.net reported.

According to the report German authorities informed more than 660 Afghans in December 2025 that despite earlier assurances of resettlement, Germany would no longer be able to admit them. As an alternative, Berlin offered cash support to help affected individuals return to Afghanistan or seek refuge in another country willing to accept them.

According to official figures, only 167 Afghans — including 25 principal applicants and 142 family members — accepted the offer. By contrast, 358 people have rejected the proposal, while at least 137 others were still considering their options as of late December.

Those who declined the offer remain in Pakistan, where their legal status is increasingly precarious. Pakistan has intensified efforts over the past two years to reduce the number of displaced Afghans, raising concerns that those still awaiting decisions could be forced to leave on short notice.

The German government said the decision was influenced by logistical constraints and mounting pressure from Pakistani authorities to complete transfers before the end of 2025 — a deadline Germany was unable to meet. A bilateral agreement protecting Afghans with German resettlement pledges expired at the end of last year, the German Foreign Office confirmed.

The issue has sparked criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, which took office in May 2025 and pledged in its coalition agreement to wind down voluntary federal admission programs, including those for Afghans.

While Germany continued to resettle hundreds of Afghans in 2025 — primarily former local staff of German institutions and their families — the latest group of rejected applicants largely consisted of journalists, judges, teachers, and human rights activists nominated under a humanitarian admissions program launched by the previous government.

Some applicants succeeded in reaching Germany late last year after winning individual court cases forcing authorities to honor resettlement pledges. However, German officials stressed that these rulings do not automatically apply to others, leaving several hundred Afghans still in limbo.

As of January 2025, more than 35,500 Afghans have been resettled in Germany since the Islamic Emirate takeover in 2021. Yet for hundreds still stranded in Pakistan, the prospect of reaching safety remains uncertain, as diplomatic efforts continue amid tightening regional pressures.

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Islamic Emirate summons Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires over latest airstrike

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in a statement, announced that it has summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul and conveyed its “strong and firm” protest over the violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and the bombing of civilian homes.

According to the statement, Pakistan’s military regime once again blatantly violated Afghanistan’s airspace on Tuesday night and bombed civilian homes in parts of Khost, Paktika, and Kunar provinces.

As a result, 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man were killed, while 14 other civilians, including women and children, were injured.

The foreign ministry added that the Islamic Emirate considers this attack and act of human rights violation a clear breach of international principles and laws. The IEA strongly condemned the incident and once again emphasized that defending its territory and ensuring the security of its people is its religious responsibility.

The ministry stated that the Pakistani side must understand that instead of pursuing proxy policies, it should fundamentally resolve its internal problems.

The statement read: “How is it possible that killing children and women in one land could mean ensuring the security of another?”

The ministry further stated that Pakistan’s army will bear full responsibility for all consequences of these repeated and provocative actions.

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Procedure for mobilizing and distributing aid to returning migrants approved

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Afghanistan’s Ministry of Justice has announced that the procedure governing the mobilization, collection, and distribution of assistance for migrants returning to Afghanistan has been published in the Official Gazette following its approval by the leader of the Islamic Emirate.

According to the ministry, the procedure consists of an introduction, three chapters, four sections, and 14 articles, and will be implemented by central and provincial committees responsible for mobilizing, collecting, and distributing aid to returning migrants.

The document outlines the composition and authorities of the central and provincial committees, as well as the mechanisms for soliciting, collecting, registering, storing, and distributing cash, in-kind, and service-based assistance. It also specifies oversight measures for aid distribution and restrictions related to the receipt and allocation of assistance.

Under the new procedure, the central committee is tasked with preparing lists of donors and the needs of returning migrants, and formally engaging with domestic donors and Afghans living abroad to attract additional support.

The Ministry of Justice added that the procedure also defines the methods for mobilizing aid and prohibits the collection of domestic assistance outside official channels, as well as the receipt of foreign assistance in violation of the laws and principles of the Islamic Emirate and the provisions of the procedure.

The ministry further noted that the same issue of the Official Gazette includes a decree by the leader of the Islamic Emirate dissolving the Directorate for the Review of Residential Affairs under the General Directorate of Administrative Affairs and transferring its responsibilities to the Supreme Court.

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One Day to Go: Everything you need to know about FIFA World Cup 2026

With one day remaining until kickoff, anticipation is building around the world as football prepares to take centre stage once again.

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The countdown is almost over. In just one day, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will get underway, launching what is widely regarded as the world’s greatest sporting event.

Football fans across Afghanistan and around the globe are preparing for a month of excitement as 48 nations compete for the most coveted prize in international football.

What is the FIFA World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup is the premier international football tournament, held every four years and featuring the world’s best national teams.

The 2026 edition will be the largest in the tournament’s history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and featuring a record 104 matches.

Where is the tournament being held?

For the first time, the World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico

Matches will be played across 16 host cities throughout North America.

When does the tournament start?

The tournament kicks off on June 11, with hosts Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City.

The final will be played on July 19 in New York.

Why is this World Cup historic?

The 2026 tournament marks several major milestones:

  • First World Cup hosted by three nations.
  • First World Cup featuring 48 teams.
  • Largest World Cup ever with 104 matches.
  • First time Canada hosts World Cup matches.

Organizers expect millions of fans to attend matches, while billions around the world are expected to follow the tournament on television and digital platforms.

Which teams are among the favourites?

Several traditional football powers enter the tournament among the leading contenders, including:

Argentina (defending champions)

  • France
  • Brazil
  • England
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Portugal 

Stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi are expected to be among the tournament’s biggest attractions.

How can fans in Afghanistan watch the World Cup?

Football supporters across Afghanistan will be able to follow every moment of the tournament through Ariana Radio and Television Network’s (ATN) extensive coverage – on both TV and radio.

Ariana Television will broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live across Afghanistan, bringing viewers comprehensive coverage of the world’s biggest football event.

For fans on the move or unable to watch television, Ariana FM will also provide live match broadcasts throughout the tournament, ensuring supporters can stay connected to the action wherever they are.

What can fans expect?

From dramatic goals and unforgettable upsets to emerging stars and title contenders battling for glory, the FIFA World Cup consistently delivers some of sport’s most memorable moments.

With one day remaining until kickoff, anticipation is building around the world as football prepares to take centre stage once again.

Fans in Afghanistan can tune in to Ariana Television from 11:30pm to watch kick off between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday night, June 11.

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