Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have expressed Pakistan’s firm commitment to the objectives of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). In their messages on SAARC Charter Day, being observed today, they emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to collaborate with all willing states in South Asia to foster trade, transit, energy linkages, and people-to-people connections that benefit the entire region.

According to Radio Pakistan, the President highlighted in his message the potential inclusion of significant regional countries like Iran and China in the revival plan. He noted that their participation would bolster connectivity, economic integration, and stability across the wider neighborhood. The President encouraged all South Asian nations to approach the future with clarity and sincerity.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, remarked that this auspicious occasion serves as a reminder of the shared aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity throughout the South Asian region. He pointed out the common challenges faced by the region, such as poverty, climate-induced natural disasters, food and energy insecurity, and public health issues. He emphasized that these challenges transcend borders and necessitate collective responses based on mutual trust, goodwill, and a spirit of mutual cooperation.