The govt of Pakistan believe in SAARC and has been extending all its support to make the association work for the development. — File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of Pakistan Dr. Nadeem-ul-Haq on Wednesday urged the SAARC member countries to enhance mutual cooperation for poverty alleviation, trade development and economic prosperity of the region.

Nadeem-ul-Haq was addressing a ceremony here to celebrate 25th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

“Geography and nature has brought us together,” he remarked and added that the member countries must accept challenges and overcome the impediments to develop South Asia.

All the member countries have to live together but with self-respect, he said and stressed the need for sharing ideas, growth and opportunities for the development of the whole region.

Nadeem-ul-Haq also underlined the importance of capitalizing the potential of young generation for which SAARC Human Resource Development Center could play a productively role.

He said that although SAARC has made achievements since its establishment in 1985, however there is still a long way to go forward to develop the region and alleviate poverty.

He said that establishment of regional cooperation associations have become need of the day and countries around the world have been developing such association for their mutual benefit.

So, SAARC can play an important role for the regional development, he added and highlighted the importance for strengthening the association to achieve the SAARC Charter goals.

He said that the government of Pakistan believe in SAARC and has been extending all its support to make the association work for the development.

To a question, Dr. Nadeem-ul-Haq said that Pakistan was in favour of enhancing trade with all the countries, including India.

Director at SAARC Human Resource Development Centre, Dr. Riffat and Director of the SAARC Energy Centre Hilal Raza also spoke on the occasion and briefed the participants about the achievement of SAARC for the development of the region.

It may be recalled that representatives of SAARC countries gathered here to celebrate the 25th anniversary of signing of SAARC Charter, highlighting the developments the association has made during the past 25 years.

The participants also cut the 25th SAARC charter cake to mark the occasion.

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