Prime Minister Imran Khan. PHOTO: PTI
The message came as Islamabad again moves to host the 19th Saarc summit, which was earlier cancelled in November 2016 as India pulled out from it at the eleventh hour citing “security concerns”. Later, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet.
According to a statement issued by the PM Office on the 35th Saarc Charter Day on Sunday, Prime Minister Imran said, “Pakistan further believes that effective and result-oriented regional cooperation can be achieved only by adhering to the cardinal principles of sovereign equality and mutual respect as enshrined in the Saarc Charter.”
The premier reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Saarc process and expressed the hope that the hiatus created in its continuous progress would be removed, thus enabling the Saarc nations to forge ahead on the path of regional cooperation for development and to achieve their full potential.
On the occasion of the charter day, he also felicitated the people of the Saarc member states.
PM Imran lauds Punjab govt for steps taken in the agricultural sector
The prime minister, in his message, wished the people of South Asia, peace, progress, and prosperity.
“The day [December 8] is marked when leaders with vision and foresight adopted the Saarc charter and pledged to work together for the progress and prosperity of South Asia,” Premier Imran said.
He added: “This day reminds us of the enormous responsibility placed on our shoulders by our peoples, and their expectations from their leaders to address the common challenges of poverty, illiteracy, disease and under-development.”
During its first summit in Dhaka, on December 8, 1985 the heads of state and government from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives had adopted the charter of Saarc which marked the beginning of a new era of regional cooperation in the history of South Asia.
Saarc summits are usually held biennially and hosted by member states in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the chair of the association. The last Saarc summit was held in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2014.
Separately, PM Imran has formed an inquiry committee to investigate into the alleged corruption in Pakistan Housing Authority.
According to The Express Tribune, the prime minister has summoned the record of the projects of PHA, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Gujrat. Apart from this, the PM has also sought the record of Lahore Ring Road, Gujrat University, Nawaz Sharif Park Sheikhupura, Punjab Assembly, Greater Iqbal Park and Civic Centre, Johar Town.
(With additional input from APP)
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ