PM Nawaz hopes for an empowered SAARC region

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday welcomed participants at the 8th SAARC conference in Islamabad.

“For the last 30 years SAARC is committed to strengthening economic development in the region,” the PM said.

The event was attended by Finance Ministers, Secretaries, heads of respective State Banks, senior officials and diplomats.

The PM assured participants  that Pakistan is committed to jointly work with SAARC member states in this changing economic landscape and is dedicated to get people out of illiteracy, poverty and other social problems currently being faced.

He said that Pakistan plays an important role for peace in the region and believes that SAARC provides a platform for regional peace. He said that he would continue to work towards peace in the region.

Nawaz said that SAARC believes in promoting welfare and that was the thought behind the organization. He stated that the region had abundant human and natural resources along with untapped opportunities which if properly utilized, could pave the way for an improved quality of life among people of the region.

He also welcomed the delegates to Islamabad and hoped they would come up with useful recommendations to make the organization more viable and effective.

According to him, the deliberations of Finance Ministers would complement the agenda of 19th SAARC summit, which Pakistan looks forward to host in Islamabad on 9th and 10th of November this year.