Four Pakistani Community Leaders Honoured by German State Government in Hessen

Frankfurt, Germany — The State Government of Hessen has awarded special certificates of appreciation to four Pakistani-origin community representatives for their long-standing public service in Germany’s local democratic system.

Germany’s stable democratic structure is widely attributed to its regular local body elections held every four years and the institutionalised acceptance of electoral outcomes. As part of this participatory framework, foreign residents across German cities elect an Ausländerbeirat — a Foreigners’ Advisory Council — every five years to represent their community concerns. First established in Wiesbaden in 1972, the system now operates throughout Germany.

In Hessen, these councils are coordinated at the provincial level under AGAH (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Ausländerbeiräte in Hessen). The body includes members from Russia, Turkey, Greece and Syria, elected for 2.5-year terms, while city-level advisory board members serve five-year terms.

On 20 November, Hessen’s Minister for Culture Heike Hofmann and AGAH President Mr. Gulegen presided over a formal ceremony at the State Parliament, honouring advisory board members from 80 municipalities. Awards were presented in three categories: over 40 years, over 30 years, and over 20 years of continuous elected service.

Among the honourees were four Pakistani community representatives, recognised for their decades-long contributions:

Muhammad Sharif Khalid, originally from Gujrat, a resident of Germany since the 1960s, awarded for 28 consecutive years as an elected representative from Dietzenbach. He is also a recipient of Pakistan’s Tamgha-e-Khidmat.

Zafar Iqbal Muneeb, who belongs to Shahkot, District Nankana Sahib, honoured for 25 years of service from Rodgau.

Rehan Rashid, originally from Gujranwala, recognised for over 20 years of service from Gustavsburg.

Arshad Ahmad Shahbaz, who belongs to Rabwah in District Chiniot, honoured for completing 20 years of elected community service.

The ceremony concluded with a reception at the State Parliament, attended by invited guests including Voice of Germany representatives Fazal-ur-Rehman Khokhar and Irfan Ahmed Khan.

The Pakistani diaspora in Germany has warmly welcomed this recognition, congratulating all four award recipients for their dedicated role in strengthening local democracy and representing the interests of foreign communities.