PM urges SAARC countries to join hands to strengthen democracy

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said full potential of South Asia could only be realized by resolving differences peacefully and solving problems purposefully.

Addressing the SAARC parliamentarians, the premier said the SAARC countries should develop a comprehensive and holistic strategy to address the challenges faced by the region.

He was of the opinion that SAARC parliamentarians had a unique advantage and they could play a significant role in promoting the ideals of peace and prosperity in their respective countries and the region.

He, however, made it clear the objective could be achieved “only when we resolve our differences peacefully and develop the culture of solving our problems seriously and purposefully”.

He said SAARC has immense potential to transform the region into a zone of peace, stability and prosperity.

He noted, “It is time for us to leverage our potential to overcome these challenges. Pakistan is firmly committed to the principles of SAARC and attached great importance to its ideals and processes.”

“We are committed to go an extra mile to make SAARC an effective and productive organization that is beneficial to all South Asian citizens. People need to be made partners in development and their welfare be the focus of public policy, he also stated.

The premier continued Pakistan envisioned SAARC as a thriving organization, promoting not only regional development but advancing the global agenda for peace and prosperity.

He said parliament’s role was critical for any democracy to take firm roots and formulate policies for people’s welfare.

“The broad-based and unhindered participation of people leads to greater ownership by the people and brightens the prospects of success,” he added. He said being elected not only brings special privilege and honour, but also entails huge responsibilities.

“We should be cognizant of hopes and expectations pinned on us by the people,” the PM said.

He said there was a need to develop comprehensive and holistic regional strategy that includes sharing of best practices in agricultural sector, technology transfer and efficient irrigation system to effectively pre-empt any food crisis in future.

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Posted by Web Desk on Nov 7 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.