Germany has increased the number of visas being issued to Pakistanis seeking education in its universities, German Ambassador Dr. Ina Lepel said on Monday, while acknowledging that the growing number of applications sometimes causes processing delays. "There is a huge demand from Pakistani students seeking education in Germany.
Sometimes applications take longer because of the volume, but we are working to simplify procedures and make the process more efficient," she told journalists at the National Press Club (NPC) during its international outreach programme, "Meet the Press". The ambassador also called for stronger economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Germany.
She said Germany remained one of the most preferred destinations for Pakistani students because of its quality educational institutions, research opportunities and welcoming academic environment. The envoy highlighted the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Germany and stressed the need to significantly enhance bilateral trade.
She noted that trade between the two countries had not registered the desired growth over the years. "I served in Pakistan in 2017 and have now returned as ambassador, but unfortunately there has not been significant improvement in bilateral trade volume," she said.
The ambassador said both countries had considerable economic potential and should work closely to expand trade, investment and commercial cooperation for mutual benefit. On regional issues, Ambassador Lepel appreciated Pakistan's efforts to reduce tensions in the region, particularly during the recent US-Iran standoff.
She commended Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives to promote peace and dialogue. "I salute Pakistan's efforts to help achieve peaceful solutions and prevent instability in the region," she said, adding that diplomacy remained the best way to resolve conflicts and avoid further tensions.
Discussing the situation in Ukraine, the German ambassador criticised Russia's military actions and expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people. She said Germany and the wider European community firmly stood behind Ukraine.
"Russia must stop the killing of innocent people in Ukraine," she said, stressing that peace, sovereignty and international law must be respected. She added that European countries continued to support Ukraine politically, economically and through humanitarian assistance.
During the interactive session, journalists raised questions about bilateral relations, education, regional security and international developments. Ambassador Lepel responded to their queries and emphasised the importance of media, people-to-people contacts and academic exchanges in strengthening ties between Pakistan and Germany.
Earlier, the German envoy was received by NPC President Abdur Razzaq Sial and Secretary Furqan Rao, along with members of the governing body and senior journalists. She toured various sections of the National Press Club and planted a sapling on its premises as a symbol of friendship and environmental sustainability.
The NPC president thanked the ambassador for engaging with the media community and expressed hope that Pakistan-Germany relations would continue to deepen. He also reiterated the club's commitment to providing a platform for meaningful dialogue between diplomats, policymakers and journalists.