LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said that Pakistan attaches great importance to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and remained committed to principles and objectives of its charter.
In his message, Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated veteran trader Iftikhar Ali Malik for his nomination for the slot of President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry and said his appointment brought laurel for the country.
He expressed hope that Malik is a seasoned trader and would utilize his best abilities to bring closer the SAARC member states besides promoting regional trade.
He said Pakistan had always strived to make the regional body a vibrant vehicle for mutual cooperation based on the principle of sovereign equality.
He said that SAARC had immense potential for strengthening the economies of the member countries and to promote collaboration in various areas of mutual significance.
“The organisation needs to work towards achieving economic, cultural and social growth of the region,” he said, calling for an increased level of connectivity among the SAARC member states for a prosperous region.
Malik thanked Prime Minister Imran for his message and responded that he would do his best to promote regional trade. “Pakistan believes that a secure and peaceful environment in South Asia was crucial for the advancement of the region’s development and prosperity,” he said.
He assured that he would play a positive role in further strengthening regional cooperation.
He said holding any such position meant renewing impetus amongst the member states and therefore was significant.
Iftikhar Malik said Pakistan had all resources to become an economic giant but only need is to set directions with zeal, courage and sincerity. He said Pakistan’s huge mineral resources could help get rid of the economic ills.
