Speakers at the 10th Saarc Writers Conference, which ended here on Sunday, called for promoting historical, cultural, social and literary ties and according highest importance to building a climate of peace, harmony, mutual appreciation and understanding among the people of South Asia.
They came up with the unanimous view that reaching out to the widest cross-section of society was imperative for enhancing the vibrancy of creative writing and dialogue.
They acknowledged the contribution of South Asian thinkers and writers which they made to the peace process through the Foundation of Saarc Writers and Literature and through their individual and collective work.
Reaffirming the centrality of Saarc for promoting regional co-operation, they called for making efforts, at every level, for poverty alleviation and improving the quality of life in the region. They also called for making South Asia a nuclear-free zone.
The conference, which commenced on March 11, was participated by creative writers, intellectuals and cultural activists of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
At the end of the moot, a joint declaration, called 'Lahore Declaration', was issued which said that people of this region desired peace and co-operation to ensure that their basic needs and rights are fulfilled.
A continuous process of exchange and publication of creative and analytical writings for the Saarc region will enable all to share concerns, socio-political realities and strive towards peaceful and prosperous future.
It added that that for improving the quality of life for all in the region, it is essential that governments increase spending on social sectors substantially by reducing expenditure on heavy armament.
It was also pointed out that co-operation among writers and intellectuals is essential for ensuring that the literature of the Saarc region is translated in other languages and is disseminated within and beyond the region.
"Since the women in this region have been subjected to exploitation, discrimination and suppression, we particularly welcome the emerging awareness among them of their rights and power and resolve to do all to strength and expand this movement."
Later, the participants of the conference gathered at Shahra-e-Quaid-e-Azam and held a peace demonstration.