Foreign Minister of Germany Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier was on Monday given assurances by Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security Sartaj Aziz that the ongoing military action in North Waziristan was against all terrorist organisations, including the Haqqani network.
“Haqqani network is no longer present in Pakistan, and they have shifted to Afghanistan after the recent military operations in the area,” said Sartaj Aziz during a meeting with Dr Steinmeier.
“The infrastructure supporting Haqqani network in North Waziristan has been dismantled,” added Aziz.
The German FM said that “deep issues” like Kashmir should be a part of the talks between India and Pakistan as dialogue is the only way to move forward.
“There are deep issues like Kashmir which cannot be avoided in talks,” German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said during a joint press conference with National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz.
The German Minister also asked Pakistan to step up campaign against militants and target them without any discrimination.
“Close cooperation between neighbouring countries, namely between Afghanistan and Pakistan is a sine qua non for peace and stability – terrorism does not stop at borders. The fight against terrorism has to be carried on in accordance with the rule of law and human rights,” Steinmeier added.
Emphasising on the close ties between Pakistan and Germany, the Minister said that Germany has constantly been active in the energy sector in Pakistan, and its free-of-cost top class universities are increasingly becoming a popular destination for Pakistani students.
Steinmeier also opposed death penalty and urged Pakistan to halt executions which were started in December last year after a moratorium of about six years when Taliban attacked a school and killed 150 people, mostly children.
This is the third time Steinmeier visited Pakistan after two visits in 2007 and 2008 during his first tenure as foreign minister.
Earlier, the German foreign minister reached Islamabad on Monday on a two-day official visit.
Steinmeier is here to discuss matters relating to bilateral and regional interest with particular focus on peace and stability in the region.
Later, a meeting between Dr Steinmeier and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was held at the PM House.
The German foreign minister expressed deep respect and gratitude for Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism and encouraged the government to continue the close collaboration with Afghanistan.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan need to work together for peace and prosperity in the region,” stated the German envoy.
He, however, expressed concern over the military courts which have been established to try terror-related cases.
Referring to the recent flare-up in tensions between Indian and Pakistan, he urged both countries to resolve their differences through dialogue.
The German FM thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his visit to Pakistan.
“We have directed government departments and institutions to follow the mutually agreed areas of cooperation discussed in my earlier visit to Germany,” said the premier.
“Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Germany are improving and we expect better economic cooperation between the two countries,” said the German foreign minister.
The premier also thanked Germany on the occasion for supporting Pakistan for the GSP-Plus status given by the European Union (EU).
“Pakistan’s economy has experiencing a turn-around and key indicators are improving,” stated the prime minister.
The German foreign minister also met Army Chief General Raheel Sharif at General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi.
Steinmeier is accompanied by German ambassador and other senior officials of German foreign ministry on this trip.
