Haqqani network almost wiped out, Aziz assures German FM

E-Paper | July 29, 2026

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Minister of Germany Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier was given assurances by the 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.

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.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz during a handshake with with the Foreign Minister of Germany, HE Dr. Farank-Walter Steinmeier in Islamabad on August 31, 2015. — PID

Referring to the recent flare-up in tensions between Indian and Pakistan, he urged both countries to resolve their differences through dialogue.

The German Foreign Minister 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.

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Arslan

Aug 31, 2015 03:43pm

These lot are coming thick and fast :)

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Dr Ahmad - Melbourne

Aug 31, 2015 03:45pm

Dr Steinmeier is a great advocate of foreign investment in developing nations and this is a great opportunity for Pakistan to enhance bilateral relations with Germany through projects on education, health, agriculture industry and power generation.

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timetostopthis

Aug 31, 2015 03:50pm

@Arslan Yes and they are all talking about security and terrorism, not economy and investment!! Hope that says something to you!!

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shoaib

Aug 31, 2015 03:51pm

german automobile investment has to be the starting point

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Harmony-1

Aug 31, 2015 03:54pm

Germany is an important partner of EU. Enhancing bilateral trade should be the top of the agenda.

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Awan

Aug 31, 2015 03:58pm

KP and Punjab government representatives must meet this guy and should give him a good pitch to persuade German carmakers to establish their assembly centers in their respective regions. 90 percent of the total car production is concentrated in Karachi and this is creating an imbalance and a cartel of assemblers. Japanese assemblers hegemony must be put to task and jobs creation in underdeveloped regions of Pakistan must be done as well.

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Nisar

Aug 31, 2015 04:04pm

I think countries are realising the potential Pak has in terms of economy and the 200million population, the EU is a block which works for money, so if they see an advantage, they will run after it, look what Tony Blair did with Libya, ran there to sign oil deals and fast forward 5 years, Libya has been ruined.

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Harmony-1

Aug 31, 2015 04:13pm

@Timetostopthis - That "something it says about" is that they appreciate our efforts on security and terrorism which have been going on with greater vigour ever since Gen. Raheel Shareef started the purge!

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Aug 31, 2015 04:14pm

@Awan aren't u guys getting 46 billion dollar chinese corridor which karachi is not part of at all? First capital was shifted from karachi then a million afghans were sent to karachi to be hosted...but still karachi pays 70 percent of tax and not even 5% of the development fund gets spent in the city.

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stranger

Aug 31, 2015 04:16pm

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne What you have said will happen provided PM Modi does not run to Germany and try to block any investments and trade.

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Salman Kureishi

Aug 31, 2015 04:27pm

@timetostopthis lol.. I can tell you are indian by your wishful thinking. Pakistan has moved on and is set to become an economic power. Deal with it. Pak zibdabad

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Adnan shah

Aug 31, 2015 04:28pm

Ever since General Raheel is pulling these string on the Government i see countries who i thought won't come here

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Zahir

Aug 31, 2015 04:31pm

Is there a connection of all this with China

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Awan

Aug 31, 2015 04:42pm

@AA Learn 18th amendment and then comment. Sindh have higher per capita budget than KP and Punjab. So where this budget is actually going?. Your comment is not based on logic but on regional bias. 70 percent figure is absolutely false and baseless. Karachi is like Hong Kong of Pakistan. Tax is collected there not generated. Major companies are registered at KSE and they declare and submit theirs tax there. Also 90 percent of the total import and exports are destined to the parts of the country that are not a part of Karachi. Moreover Development must be uniform and industrial development must take place in every nook and corner of Pakistan. Bigger industries must be established in remote areas to stop migration to bigger cities.

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Pure Ind

Aug 31, 2015 04:42pm

@Salman Kureishi We in India are more than happy to see a peaceful & developed Pakistan. The more employment opportunities are developed in Pakistan the better it is for the region. basically its the unemployed poor youth that get easily brain washed & pushed into terrorism & anti social activities. Not just this education system needs to be developed in terms of broader scientific knowledge rather than narrow minded religious content as that is was what European Investors look, its not just about the youth but also their capabilities, Guess this is a major challenge for Pakistan...

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KHALID SOHAIL

Aug 31, 2015 04:56pm

Welcome for real friends and hidden enemies in face of friends are dangerous. Go back to read the history.

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Asha

Aug 31, 2015 05:02pm

After US, Germany is in pakistan to discuss security and mutual interest. Whats wonder me, is that we readers make ours own predictions and start giving suggestions, and even start making our own foreign policies. Lol, lets see what will come out this visit.

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Pure Ind

Aug 31, 2015 05:10pm

@Salman Kureishi We in India only pray & hope that tomorrow even Pakistanis become Heads of respectable organizations like Google, Microsoft with head offices in US & UK rather than in organisations with head offices in Afghanistan, Libiya, & Syriya All the Best....

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Zak

Aug 31, 2015 05:22pm

He is here to send the Nazi Gold discovered in Poland Germany border to Pakistan, to help us in our anti terrorism efforts.

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Hussein

Aug 31, 2015 05:35pm

Germany talks about economic relations and BIG partnerships. Big words, when journalists are around. But reality is completely controversial. Make your own experiences with Germany, by applying for Visa or requesting business information with Germany at the German Consulate in Karachi or German Embassy in Islamabad. You will be surprised, how mortifying and arrogant we, Pakistani citiziens, are treated there.

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timetostopthis

Aug 31, 2015 05:36pm

@Harmony-1 I think its time to take the blinkers off and look at reality for a change. Living in denial never helped solve any problems. Both your neighbours are not annoyed for nothing!!

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Harmony-1

Aug 31, 2015 05:46pm

@Timetostopthis - You haven't even bothered to read the news with your "blinkers"!!! "Dr Steinmeier also expressed deep respect and gratitude for Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism and encouraged the Pakistani government to continue its close collaboration with Afghanistan".

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Muhammad Arshad

Aug 31, 2015 05:56pm

VW please come to Pakistan. :)

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Harmony-1

Aug 31, 2015 06:28pm

@Timetostopthis - You can only see India getting "annoyed". What about Pakistan's grievances of India meddling in Baluchistan and Karachi? Have you ever thought of that without putting "blinkers" on?

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Star

Aug 31, 2015 06:59pm

@Harmony-1 Why India will be annoyed my friend... Because any business you do with any country, some pie will end up with Indians at some point.

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With due respect

Aug 31, 2015 07:01pm

Most welcome Dr Steinneier ,Germany can further invest in Water Management & Purification Plants,Dams,Power Generation,besides a German Automobile Plant will also be appreciated.Long live Pak-German friendship.

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prasant

Aug 31, 2015 07:07pm

After cancellation of nsa meet in delhi, sushma swaraj visited egypt, germany and met german fm.This was just that reciprocal visit by germany to convey indias position to pakistan.

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An Indian

Aug 31, 2015 07:21pm

Wish Pakistan emerge as a peaceful, matured and economically robust nation and becomes an example of progress for other countries to get inspired and emulate the Pakistan model of development.

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expat

Aug 31, 2015 07:44pm

@Pure Ind agreed with you 100%. Can you please now go and tell Modi to stop killing our people at the border so that we could concentrate on educating our youth?

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timetostopthis

Aug 31, 2015 07:46pm

@Harmony-1 Just throwing accusations at countries doesn't count as evidence. You must show proof. Indians have your country men caught red handed. They have confessed. Thats call evidence.

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M Akram

Aug 31, 2015 07:52pm

Welcome sir, 100 welcomes if you come in peace and not to dictate Pakistan's foreign Policy.

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timetostopthis

Aug 31, 2015 07:53pm

@Harmony-1 Exactly my point. Its all about security and terrorism. Countries need trade and commerce to develop, not just security. And Pakistan is far from secure even now. Lots of work to do in that area. Stop suppporting so called good terrorists. They will turn around and harm you tomorrow. Please learn some lessons from the past and end all terrorism, good or bad. Only then will you be truly secure and strong.

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expat

Aug 31, 2015 08:05pm

@timetostopthis well blinkers are off and we are working on eradicating the menace of terrorism from the country. It is not easy ad it seems. Besides, our two neighbors are involved in destabilizing. On one side we have you preaching us to do more but on the other side you are the cause. Pakistan clearning our northern areas but have you heard Afghanistan doing the same? There are more safe havens in Afghanistan for bad people than in Pakistan. And we all know how capable their Army is. As for India, please tell Modi to stop sending RAW to destabilize the country.

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Harmony-1

Aug 31, 2015 08:06pm

@Timetostopthis - If parading a couple of people in the street is “men caught red handed” then we catch some in Karachi too. But with your selective reading you would have missed it anyway. Let me remind you then what you may have missed in just recent news with your selective reading. Brahamdagh Bugti admits RAW assistance and involvement. Just like Modi admitting in Bangladesh of training Mukti Bahini and in breaking Pakistan. One suspect in money laundry case in London admits in his police interview of getting funds from RAW. These are just couple of examples of what we know; no doubt there is much more. This is REAL of the real evidence!!!

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expat

Aug 31, 2015 08:07pm

@prasant really and are you the foreign minister on India? You can belittle Pakistan but in fact Pakistan is rising and rising at a faster pace. It is just a matter of time.

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expat

Aug 31, 2015 08:09pm

@An Indian first positive comment. Yes sir, we all hope the same in Pakistan. Pakistan I am hoping has seen the worst and is not getting back to it's feet. People like you are hope between Pakistan and India relationship

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Harmony-1

Aug 31, 2015 08:26pm

@Star - One of your friends getting "annoyed" was actually about a different matter than what you had thought. Please read again.

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Sunil Maheshwari

Aug 31, 2015 08:28pm

@expat sorry my friend we can accuse each other but the reality is politics are playing with poor citizens of both countries.

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Sunil Maheshwari

Aug 31, 2015 08:36pm

I am so sick of comments fighting here Just imagine if Pakistan and India are friends, like here Canada and USA.Canada and USA have very bad wars.USA and Canada for each other .Why Pakistan and India be friends? Honestly Pak Army and Indian politicians are playing with citizens life.

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GURPREET SINGH SABHARWAL (USA)

Aug 31, 2015 08:54pm

Haqqani network almost wiped out? Mr. Asif please say things which are at least somewhat believable or within the realm of reality.

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joe

Aug 31, 2015 08:56pm

@stranger Modi don't have to run anywhere.Just for your information Audi,VW,Scoda,Benz,Volvo are being manufactured in India.most of them Above 90% . For your information they are being exported from India.

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sameer madan

Aug 31, 2015 09:05pm

@Sunil Maheshwari stop applying useless comparisons. USA and Canada are in a different league. Optimism and dreams should have a context

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Rashid Sultan

Aug 31, 2015 09:08pm

did he ask to speak with TTP leadership?

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FACT

Aug 31, 2015 09:23pm

Face the reality. Pakistan's significance in the region is on the rise.

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AIB

Aug 31, 2015 09:31pm

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will arrive in Delhi next week to hold bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during which key issues would be discussed, especially cooperation in technology, trade and defence. http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/german-foreign-minister-to-arrive-in-india-next-week-659284

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roger

Aug 31, 2015 09:36pm

@stranger it is terrorism that is blocking investments in Pak when will pakistan understand that ?? easy to blame & accuse others for lack of investments

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roshan

Aug 31, 2015 09:43pm

@Harmony-1 no evidence just accusation

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Aug 31, 2015 09:54pm

If Hakkani Network is almost wipe out then there is no threat to Afghanistan and coalition forces and USA payment to Pakistan are not needed. Whatever little hakanni Net work is left I am sure Afganistan troop could handle it with USA troops.

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AhmadJ

Aug 31, 2015 09:59pm

What! When did this miracle happen? Last night?

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Ridwan

Aug 31, 2015 11:26pm

Pakistan is getting a lot of attention in the diplomatic works since CPEC was announced! Looks like everyone sees the benefits of it, except for PTI and india.

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Dawn Reader

Sep 01, 2015 12:11am

@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne :: Sitting in Melbourne Australia, you of all people should have a sense that the parade of foreign dignitaries coming to Islamabad (except the Chinese) is not too much to talk about health, education, economy, infrastructure, etc., which certainly would be better and preferable. Instead, they all are coming and have been coming for years to talk about terrorism. Pakistan's support of certain group of militants and not of others, security, military action against some terrorist and leaving others... mostly about terrorism. That is the sad fact and an unfortunate one for Pakistan.

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Vijay (Toronto)

Sep 01, 2015 12:23am

@expat Keep rising at a furious pace; just make sure you are tethered to something solid. Wouldn't want to lose you in deep, deep space, like so much radiation.

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brr

Sep 01, 2015 01:12am

@Harmony-1 trade is not on the agenda often - only security is.

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Javed

Sep 01, 2015 01:13am

@Pure Ind How many youth in India are unemployed even after 2 decades of steady growth and maasive help to Indian Job market in US? BTW, there is news in the latest "Economist" young people in satishghar (spelling) 75000 applied for 30 "peon" state jobs many with Master's degrees.

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Javed

Sep 01, 2015 01:29am

@Sunil Maheshwari we can learn a lot from each other and as matter of fact Pakistan can learn a lot in so many areas, Indian higher eduction model come to mind but first prerquisite is "trust and respect" that has been absent and Indian bellicose since BJP/Modi came back to power.

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kuka

Sep 01, 2015 01:48am

Pakistan should try to build strong economic ties with Germany. They can really help boost Pakistan investment especially in Power, automotive and Rail infrastructure.

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Asgher Ali

Sep 01, 2015 01:50am

Haqqani Network almost wiped out. What is almost? 10%? Don't kid yourself and don't fool our probable future business partners. Almost wiped out is no consolation. Wipe it out completely and then hold your head high.

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Ailly

Sep 01, 2015 02:45am

blatant lies.........

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Rohail

Sep 01, 2015 03:35am

Advice: Just listen to them but do as you're required to do to make your borders safer from west nourished and supported terrorists called ISIS. Once they made sure the border is cleaned, they may try to inject as what they did in Syria to destabilize Pakistan and get what they always intended to. You're all smart to figure out.

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Sonny Afridi

Sep 01, 2015 04:54am

@joe what's your point? Vw is already setting up manufacturing facility in Pakistan. Benz parts are sent to india then assembled. Doesn't make india itself a manufacturer lol.

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Sameer

Sep 01, 2015 07:12am

I am sure Pakistan foreign office realizes that it is very difficult to believe them and statements like these which are blatant lie reinforce that thought process.

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Iftikhar Bhutta

Sep 01, 2015 08:51am

Germany is holding the biggest economy in EU and needs investment as such it wants peace in Pakistan . The elimination of terrorist groups is priority agenda and Pakistani, forces are already operating in this regard . We well come for real friends are recognise hidden enemies .

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pure Ind

Sep 01, 2015 09:01am

@Javed 75000 candidates with Master degree for 30 peons job positions, but offcourse its a govt. job so the craving that's natural, & it also shows the educated youth available for foreign investment. The point I wanted to make was that for the safety & security of the world & region broadminded Education without religious narrow mindedness which teaches respect to minorities & other faiths, development, employment are the key requirements in Pakistan,, All the best...

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jimmy rocks

Sep 01, 2015 09:47am

@GURPREET SINGH SABHARWAL (USA) I hope the offended Haqqani network do not produce evidence of it being 'alive and kicking'.

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akshay

Sep 01, 2015 10:38am

@Ridwan It will be good for India if CPEC succeeds with the present economic scenario in China.

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akshay

Sep 01, 2015 10:41am

@Iftikhar Bhutta Any one who will come for investment in any country will require peace as the first priority in any country. If your country will not stop patronizing terrorists then it will be a distant dream.

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