Representatives from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Islamabad visited SHARP Pakistan for discussions on refugee support and protection. The delegation, led by Ms. Violetta Kuzmova-Anand, First Secretary for Migration and Refugees, Human Rights and Rule of Law, and Ms. Petra Schmidt, Program Officer, was received by SHARP leadership including Chairman Mr. Liaqat Banori, CEO Mr. Mudassar Javed and Project Director Mr. Aatif Afzal.
Mr. Mudassar Javed provided a detailed briefing on SHARP Pakistan’s mission, initiatives and operational framework, followed by a tour of the Reception Desk Center (RDC). During the RDC visit the delegation observed frontline services delivered to refugees and other vulnerable communities and saw how legal aid and humanitarian assistance are managed on a daily basis.
Chairman Mr. Liaqat Banori highlighted pressing concerns around ongoing deportations, border management challenges and the scarcity of legal pathways for repatriation. He underscored SHARP Pakistan’s 26 years of continuous work raising awareness and building capacity on refugee and human rights with law enforcement, the judiciary and government institutions, with particular emphasis on strengthening women’s participation and empowerment within the legal sector.
Project Director Mr. Aatif Afzal outlined programmatic efforts focused on youth engagement through performing arts as well as targeted interventions to prevent child trafficking. He emphasised SHARP Pakistan’s community-driven and innovative approaches to address protection challenges and support vulnerable groups at the local level.
Ms. Violetta Kuzmova-Anand commended SHARP Pakistan’s contributions to legal aid and humanitarian services and stressed the importance of partnerships that deliver sustainable impact. The meeting provided a constructive platform for dialogue on women’s empowerment in the legal sector, combating child trafficking and improving migration support mechanisms, with both sides reaffirming a shared interest in exploring future collaboration to advance human rights and social protection.
