German FM’s visit: Pakistan may be asked to act against German jihadists

Guido Westerwelle likely to meet ISI head, other political and military leadership this weekend.

ISLAMABAD: The presence of German nationals with al-Qaeda militants in Pakistan’s tribal regions is likely to be discussed when German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle hold talks with political and military leadership here this weekend. He is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday.

He is also likely to meet the head of Pakistan’s powerful spy agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). Officials said the German foreign minister is likely to urge key officials in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to “eliminate German militants undergoing terrorism training in tribal regions”. According to an estimate, around 150 ‘homegrown’ German militants have joined al-Qaeda in various parts of the world.

The Express Tribune sources from the North Waziristan agency said there was a whole town called ‘Jermaney Mujahideen Kalley’ (village of German holy warriors), whose inhabitants living under constant fear of drone attacks.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2011.