Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua Friday reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the objectives of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Addressing a reception at Foreign Office to celebrate the 33rd SAARC Charter Day, the foreign secretary emphasized the need for undertaking serious efforts to realize the objectives of SAARC Charter. She pointed out that SAARC region is bestowed with immense natural resources and manpower that can be exploited for good of the people through collaborative efforts.
She said that Pakistan is one of the founding members of the SAARC and it is committed to its goals and the guiding principles of SAARC Charter such as peace and stability in South Asia, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of the members states, equality, non-use of force and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and peaceful settlement of all disputes.
The foreign secretary further said the region could become economically prosperous through promoting contacts and economic cooperation. She further said that the SAARC Charter identifies the challenges of the South Asia and resolution of these could put the region on the path of economic development. She also underscored the need for practical steps to eradicate poverty in the region, adding that every member state should play its part for the prosperity of the people of the region.
She said that the member states should work together for a common agenda of the regional peace and economic prosperity, adding that there is a need for regional cooperation in trade, economic development, energy, environment and other sectors. The event was attended by the high commissioners, ambassadors, diplomats from the SAARC member countries and observer states, representatives of the SAARC bodies based in Islamabad, officials from various federal ministries and journalists.