Dar calls for revival of SAARC to boost regional cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday called for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in line with its charter to promote connectivity, sustainable development and shared prosperity across the region.

Dar made the remarks during a meeting with SAARC Secretary General Muhammad Ghulam Sarwar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He appreciated the secretary general’s efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to SAARC and its institutions.

Dar said South Asia’s large population and economic potential were important regional assets that could be used more effectively through stronger cooperation among member states.

He said reactivating SAARC would help expand regional connectivity, support sustainable development and improve economic opportunities for the people of South Asia.

The SAARC secretary general thanked Pakistan for its continued support for the regional organisation and its affiliated institutions.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in efforts to promote regional and global peace.

Dar expressed his best wishes to Sarwar on the completion of his tenure as SAARC secretary general and wished him success in his future responsibilities.

SAARC was established to promote economic and regional cooperation among South Asian countries. Its members are Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The organisation’s summit process has remained stalled for several years amid political tensions among member states.

Reporter: Anwer Abbas