Germany–Pakistan relations

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Pakistani-German relations
Map indicating locations of Pakistan and Germany

Pakistan
Germany
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Germany, IslamabadEmbassy of Pakistan, Berlin
Envoy
Jauhar Saleem

German–Pakistani relations (German: deutsch-pakistanische Beziehungen Urdu: پاکستان جرمنی تعلقات‎) are the diplomatic and bilateral relations between Germany and Pakistan.[1][2] Pakistan and Germany has stronger friendly relations, since 1961, when Pakistan lent RS120 million to West Germany,[3] Succeeded by the historical British Raj strong ties in the 1910s–40s, the relations were fully established in the 1950s, which were primarily based on mutual friendship, cultural, and mutual cooperation in social, education, and economic developments.[2] Relations with Pakistan were first established by West-Germany and later on by East Germany with East-Pakistan, also in the 1950s.[2]

As of current, Germany maintains an embassy in Islamabad and consulate-generals in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.[2] Pakistan has as embassy in Berlin and consulate-generals in Hamburg, Brandenburg, and other cities of Germany.[1] Despite strong cooperation and historical ties, the recent difficulties grew in bilateral relations of both countries as the political issues of Afghan war becoming the prime factor in both countries' strategic policies on settlement in 2014.[4]

There are around 124,000 Pakistanis living in Germany according to official estimates in 2019

Country Comparison[]

Common Name Germany Pakistan
Official Name Federal Republic of Germany Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Coat of Arms Coat of arms of Germany.svg State emblem of Pakistan.svg
Flag Germany Pakistan
Area 357,386 km2 (137,988 sq mi) 881,913 km2 (340,509 sq mi)
Population 82,800,000 (2018) 209,970,000 (2017)[5]
Population Density 232/km2 (600.9/sq mi) 244.4/km2 (633/sq mi)
Capital Berlin Islamabad
Largest Metropolitan Area Berlin (3,711,930) Karachi (14,910,352)[6]
Government Federal Parliamentary Republic Federal Parliamentary Republic
Current Leader Frank-Walter Steinmeier Arif Alvi
Official Languages German Urdu
GDP (nominal) $4.211 Trillion $324.73 Billion (2018)[7]
GDP (PPP) $4.373 Trillion $1.141 Trillion (2018)[8]
GDP (nominal) per Capita $50,841 $1,650
GDP (PPP) per Capita $52,801 $5,374
Human Development Index Increase 0.936 (Very High) Increase 0.562 (Medium)
Military Expenditures $44.3 Billion $9.6 Billion[9]

History[]

State secretaries of the two countries during a reception in Bonn, 1964
Ayub Khan in Germany on January 22, 1961

Pakistan and Germany have enjoyed warm friendly relations since the establishment of their diplomatic ties in 1951. Pakistan was one of the first Asian countries to establish relations with Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). These relations are based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, respect for human rights, cultural and religious diversity and economic liberalism. Ever since their inception in 1951, Pakistan-Germany relations have been on an upward trajectory.

Relations during cold war:1950s–1990s[]

The bilateral relationships were succeeded by historical relations in the 1940s, during the British Raj, and finally restored in the 1950s after the establishment of both the countries in the late 1940s.[10] Both, West and East Germany had tilted toward forming alliance with India in the 1950s.[11]

Although Pakistan's relations with West-Germany was relatively healthy and based on mutual cooperation; the relations with East-Germany was deteriorated. In contrast, East-Germany maintained strong relations with East-Pakistan in the 1950s.

In 1961, President Ayub Khan paid a first state visit to West Germany, meeting with German president Heinrich Lübke and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.[12] During this time, Germany partnered with Pakistan to launched industrial development program; hence becoming one of the first economic partner of Germany.[12]

In the 1960s, West Germany started a prolonged and heavy industrial programmes to aid Pakistan in its industrialization growth. West Germany idealized Pakistan as "an example of successful development policy in the developing country.". Meanwhile Pakistani and East Germany civil society started to produce friendly impulses: In 1968 a book exhibition focused on the GDR was organised in Karachi and the Leipzig Trade fair added an office which was headed by a Pakistani. The following year was the beginning of a series of foundations of Pakistan-GDR Friendship Societies.[13]

Although, Germany retained neutrality policy during the 1971 war of India and Pakistan; East Germany became the third country in the world, and the first country in Europe, to officially recognize Bangladesh in 1972 after it gained independence in 1971.[14] This was only mildly surprising, since the GDR's government had shown unequivocal support for the Indian-backed separatists in the Awami League as the conflict played out.[13] Later in the 1970s, Pakistan normalized its relations with East-Germany and Soviet bloc.[14] In January 1973, the Embassy of the GDR in Pakistan opened its doors under the chargé d'affaires Walter Schmidt, who was replaced the following April by the first regular ambassador, Hans Maretzki. A few weeks before, in the beginning of April, Pakistan had opened its embassy in East Berlin; Jamshed K.A. Marker, the former ambassador in Ottawa, was its first ambassador.[13]

Cultural Relations[]

Street named in Allama Iqbal' s honour in Heidelberg, Germany.

Since they established diplomatic relations, Germany and Pakistan have both enjoyed extremely closed and cordial relationships. Before the re-unification of Germany, Pakistan maintained warm and cordial relationships with both East-Germany and West-Germany. Germany is home to 35,081 Pakistani immigrants and around more than 1200 Germans currently reside in Pakistan, mostly residing in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. Germany maintains a healthy diplomatic presence in the country, with an embassy in Islamabad, a consulate in Karachi and honorary-consulates in Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta. Germany also is one of the countries playing a vital and influential role in Pakistan's current political events, others being Saudi Arabia, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. There is an underpass in Karachi named Schön circle underpass[15]

Archaeology[]

German archaeologists have been active in Pakistan for decades. Since 1979, for example, the project Rock Carvings and Inscriptions along the Karakorum Highway has been conducted with the support of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. German researchers regularly travel to Gilgit-Baltistan as part of this project.[16]

Germany assisted in restoration of Lahore Fort

For a number of years, the Federal Foreign Office has been funding cultural preservation projects in Pakistan. The main projects in recent years include the restoration of the Lahore Fort frescoes and a historical Amburiq Mosque in Gulabpur, Baltistan. In 2010 and 2011, the Federal Foreign Office provided funding to renovate and restore traditional residential buildings in Lahore's historical Old City in cooperation with the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF). The two projects received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2010 and 2014, respectively. Since 2017, a project has been underway to restore part of the Lahore Fort frescoes – also in cooperation with the AKF. This project is scheduled to continue through 2018.[16]

Goethe-Institut[]

The main institution promoting bilateral cultural relations is the Goethe-Institut in Karachi. In the building housing the Goethe-Institut, which is from the Bauhaus era and classified as an historical monument, numerous cultural events are held in addition to the language courses. Another institution active in cultural cooperation is the Goethe-Institut-affiliated Annemarie Schimmel House in Lahore, which also offers language courses and a cultural programme.

Broadcasting[]

There has long been close cooperation in training between German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) and the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC). Deutsche Welle has its own office in Islamabad.

Diplomatic Relations[]

Bhutto meeting with German official.

Pak-Germany Strategic Dialogue[]

In January 2011, Germany and Pakistan agreed on initiating Pak-Germany Strategic Dialogue on yearly basis to enhance defense, economy, education, energy, investment and infrastructure.[17] Four rounds of Strategic Dialogue have taken place with last one in November 2018, at Islamabad.

Economic Relations[]

Pakistan was one of the first countries with which Germany began development cooperation. The German-Pakistan development partnership was launched in 1961, the year the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) was founded.[18]

In 1963, the Ayub Khan-led government gave $25 million (Compensating for Inflation, that would be more than $250 million in 2018.) loan to Germany(West Germany) for a period of 20 years.[19]

With trade investment exceeding € 2.3 billion. Germany is now Pakistan's fourth largest trade partner.

Germany has provided a total of around 3 billion euros to Pakistan since 1961. That makes Germany the fourth largest bilateral donor.[20]

German multinational companies based in Karachi are:

  • BASF (Chemicals)
  • BMW (Automobile)
  • Daimler AG (Automotive)
  • DB Schenker (Logistics)
  • DHL (Courier)
  • Linde plc (Chemicals)
  • Lufthansa Cargo (Cargo airline)
  • Merck Group (Pharmaceutical)
  • Metro Cash and Carry (Wholesale)
  • Siemens (Conglomerate)

The following bilateral agreements are in place between Germany and The following bilateral agreements are in place between Germany and Pakistan:

  • Air Transport Agreement
  • Double Taxation Agreement
  • Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement
  • Framework Agreement on Technical and Financial Cooperation (as amended by the annual agreements on financial and technical cooperation)
  • Agreement on Cooperation in Scientific Research and Technological Development

In the 1990s, Germany and Pakistan sought a business alliance, known as the Pakistan German Business Forum. It was formed in 1997 with the humble initiatives of the German ambassador to Pakistan. Commercial trade between Islamabad and Berlin has also been very essential in recent years, as Germany is Pakistan's fourth largest trade partner.[21] In 2000, Germany became one of Pakistan's most important allies surrounding the war in North-West Pakistan between Pakistan and the Taliban. In recent years, the Germany—Pakistan trade and science relations have developed greatly with Germany investing in and trading with Pakistan. Germany is actively involved in Pakistan's socio-economic development and is an active member of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Forum.

Pakistan and Germany also enjoy good economic relations. Germany is the sixth largest importer of Pakistan goods. Pakistan's main exports to Germany are textiles and leather goods, while Germany's main exports to Pakistan are machinery and chemical products. Furthermore, around 30 German companies are operating in Pakistan – not only large firms but also small and medium-sized enterprises.[20]

On August, 2014 German Ambassador in Pakistan Dr Cyrill Nunn informed Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar in order to foster economic energies German businessmen were launching ‘Pakistan Gate’ in Berlin on August 24, 2014 which would provide business contacts between the two countries.

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)[]

In November 2018, Pakistan proposed China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) partnership to Germany. Pakistan offered German companies to invest in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) of CPEC, the landmark framework of regional connectivity seen as a game-changer for the region.[22]

Business[]

Pakistan German Business Forum (PGBF)[]

In 1997, the Pakistan German Business Forum (PGBF) was founded. Since then it has been engaged in becoming a central instrument for the promotion and expansion of bilateral economic relations between Germany and Pakistan.[23]

Generalized System of Preferences (GSP+)[]

In 2014, Pakistan was included in the European Union's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP+). This gives Pakistan's export sector better access to the European market for various products, in particular textiles. Within the EU, Germany had spoken in favour of admitting Pakistan to the system.[24]

Trade and Investment[]

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Germany Germany Exports $1.25 B Increase $1.37 B Increase $1.1 B Decrease $995 M Decrease $1.09 B Increase $1.05 B Decrease $1.06 B Increase $1.09 B Increase $1.13 B Increase $1.21 B Increase $1.29 B Increase
Pakistan Pakistan Exports $939 M Increase $1.04 B Increase $943 M Decrease $1.16 B Increase $1.57 B Increase $1.26 B Decrease $1.42 B Increase $1.71 B Increase $1.62 B Decrease $1.7 B Increase $1.9 B Increase
Total Trade $2.19 B Increase $2.41 B Increase $2.04 B Decrease $2.15 B Increase $2.66 B Increase $2.47 B Decrease $2.31 B Decrease $2.48 B Increase $2.75 B Increase $2.91 B Increase $3.19 B Increase
Note: All values are in U.S. dollars.[25][26]

Energy[]

German bank assisted in construction of Tarbela Dam

Germany has been supporting Pakistan in energy sector for decades. Germany has helped to build a whole generation of hydro-electric power plants by providing reduced-interest loans. Further plants are either already under construction or are in the planning stage.[24]

German commitment in Pakistan in recent years has already brought sustainable results in the development of hydropower. German expertise is widely recognised in the country. German bank KfW co-funded both Pakistan's hydropower projects Tarbela Dam and Ghazi-Barotha Hydropower Project. Together with European partners, KfW is currently involved in the construction of another two hydropower plants. Thanks to many years of solid cooperation, KfW can also influence the structures of the Pakistani energy supply system. It played an instrumental role in instigating a reorganisation of the state-run energy utility WAPDA.[27]

Pakistan-German Renewable Energy Forum (PGREF)[]

In November 2014, the German and Pakistan governments concluded an agreement to create a Pakistan-German Renewable Energy Forum (PGREF). The Forum is to be launched in Lahore in 2016. It will serve as a point of contact in Pakistan for the German energy sector, for associations and for non-governmental organisations. In the longer term, it is to provide training and information and facilitate cooperation between partners from Germany and Pakistan.[24]

Education Relations[]

Germany is one of the most popular study destinations for young Pakistanis. Germany and Pakistan have 32 cooperation arrangements between German and Pakistan universities. Every year, hundreds of Pakistanis go to Germany and thus to the heart of Europe to study or to do their doctorate. In 2018 there are currently 4100 Pakistan students and doctoral candidates living in Germany.

The academic cooperation and research exchange dates back to the 1930s, when many scientists (who opted to join Pakistan) worked with Germany. In 1960, following the start of the German—Pakistan cooperation, the world acclaimed Institute of Physics (IoP) was built at the University of Islamabad. Germany also sent its scientists to interact with Pakistan's scientists, contributing to the rise of physics in Pakistan. Germany also helped Pakistan to participate in CERN projects and supported Pakistan in numerous occasions for Pakistan's observant status in CERN. Germany also allowed hundreds of Pakistan's physicists and mathematicians to conduct their research in DESY. Ayub Khan, then-Chief Martial Law Administrator, built strategic ties with East and West Germany.

in 1907, Pakistan's intellectual father Muhammad Iqbal spent several months studying in Germany: in Heidelberg, the national poet learned German and studied philosophy as well as literature. His poem “Darye Naika Ke Kinare Par” (Greeting to the Neckar) as well as a commemorative plaque in this popular German university town are reminders of his time there. “My stay in Heidelberg was like a beautiful dream”, stated Iqbal.[20]

Vocational Training[]

Germany is helping Pakistan to fundamentally reform its vocational training system in cooperation with the Netherlands, Norway and the EU. German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) has been commissioned by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to advise Pakistan's National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and vocational training agencies at provincial level on how vocational training can be better aligned with the needs of the labour market. More than 100 vocational careers advice and job centres have been established throughout the country. Uniform standards and material for examinations have been developed for nearly 60 vocational profiles in agriculture, energy and services; 87,000 young people have completed a training programme; 4,000 vocational training instructors have already been trained, with at least that many set to receive training in the near future.[28]

Germany-Pakistan Training Initiative (GPATI)[]

In June 2013, 13 German multinational and Pakistani national companies on Thursday formally launched the Germany-Pakistan Training Initiative (GPATI), a new skills development project aiming at equipping young Pakistani men and women with employable skills.[28]

Political Relations[]

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, the Heinrich Böll Foundation, the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation have all seconded staff to Pakistan and run their own offices there, and in some cases have done so for decades. They support projects in areas including the strengthening of democratic institutions, human rights and the advancement of women, climate change, deradicalisation, regional cooperation and the media.

Rescue & Relief Work[]

To mitigate the effects of the flood disaster in Pakistan in late summer 2014, the German Government provided a total of more than 6 million euros in assistance. In 2015 and 2016, the total amount of the federal budgetary allocations for humanitarian aid projects in Pakistan exceeded 11 million euros. The relief measures are implemented by German non-governmental organisations and international organisations such as the United Nations Refugee Agency and the World Food Programme.[16]

Security Relations[]

During the 1970s, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto took extensive initiatives to strengthen Pakistan's ties with Germany. Under Bhutto, the military academies of each country signed a strategic and military training pact. German military officials and cadets frequently visit the Pakistan military academy and Pakistanis visit Germany in return. In the 1980s, the Germany—Pakistan relations saw a military alliance and supported each other while running clandestine operations against the Soviet Union's presence in the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.

The Pakistani Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif visited Germany on the invitation of his counterpart German Inspector of the Army Lieutenant General Jörg Vollmer, from 19 June to 22 June 2016. On arrival at the Ministry of Defence, a contingent of German Army presented Guard of Honor to COAS followed by wreath-laying at Ministry of Defence War Memorial. Besides holding meeting with his German counterpart, the COAS also had detailed meetings with German Minister of Defence Ursula von der Leyen and German Foreign Minister.

Perception on relations[]

In 2012, the relations had been down and cooled when Pakistan's police detained three alleged German intelligence agents near the Afghan border.[29] All three agents were interrogated by the FIA agents before being deported from the country with "Persona non grata" after Germany loaded a protest.[30] In March 2013, German media reported that German intelligence agencies arrested an alleged Pakistani agent working on obtained sensitive data information on drones; no other details were provided.[31]

See also[]

References[]

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  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Der Pakistan und Duestschland Beziehung". Ministrium die Internationale Beziehungen und missionian Auslandsvertretung. Ministrium die Internationale Beziehungen, Islamabad Auslandsvertretung. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
  3. ^ "Pakistan lent Rs120 million to West Germany in 1963". thenews.com.pk.
  4. ^ "Germany warns of terror threat, action being planned in Pakistan". Ajj Television, archives. 22 June 2007. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
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  7. ^ "Countries by Projected GDP 2021 - StatisticsTimes.com". statisticstimes.com.
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  10. ^ Staffe (September 15, 2010). "Pak-German bilateral relations need to be strengthened". Daily Times, Pakistan. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
  11. ^ Robotka, Bettina. "Germany's South Asia Strategy: Implications for Pakistan" (PDF). Centre of Area and Policy Studies of Humboldt University of Berlin. Robotka, Humboldt University of Berlin. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 May 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b Ministerium für Wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit. "50 years of Pakistan-German Development Cooperation" (PDF). Ministerium für Wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit (Ministry for economical cooperation). Retrieved 26 June 2013.[permanent dead link]
  13. ^ Jump up to: a b c Benatar, Alexander (2021). "Relations between Pakistan and the GDR until 1973" (PDF). MIDA Archival Reflexicon: 2–3.
  14. ^ Jump up to: a b staff reporter (January 11, 1972). "East-Germany recognize Bangladesh". Ocala, Florida, USA: Ocala Star-Banner. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  15. ^ "Schon Circle Underpass to be ready in October 2006". Brecorder. 2005-07-19. Retrieved 2021-05-05.
  16. ^ Jump up to: a b c Amt, Auswärtiges. "Germany and Pakistan: Bilateral relations". German Federal Foreign Office.
  17. ^ "Pakistan, Germany strengthen bilateral relations". The Express Tribune. January 8, 2011.
  18. ^ "Countries". Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
  19. ^ "Pakistan lent Rs120 million to West Germany in 1963". www.thenews.com.pk.
  20. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Germany backs new Pak govt reforms". www.thenews.com.pk.
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  22. ^ "Pakistan proposes CPEC partnership to Germany". www.thenews.com.pk.
  23. ^ "Account Suspended". pgbf.com.pk.
  24. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2018-11-09. Retrieved 2018-11-09.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  25. ^ https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/visualize/tree_map/hs92/export/deu/pak/show/2016/
  26. ^ https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/visualize/tree_map/hs92/import/deu/pak/show/2016/
  27. ^ "Pakistan". www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de.
  28. ^ Jump up to: a b "Germany Pakistan Training Initiative launched".
  29. ^ Hasnain Kazim in Islamabad. "German-Pakistani Tensions". Der Spiegel. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  30. ^ Mughal, Ubaid (24 June 2012). "Pakistan releases three German spies". Newstribe. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
  31. ^ Reuters (March 29, 2013). "German police arrest Pakistani for suspicion in drone spying case". Express Tribune. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
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