SAARC can change face of South Asia: Aziz

Islamabad, Sept 21: Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said if fully leveraged SAARC has the potential to change the face of South Asia.

''We need more serious efforts to make SAARC more dynamic through the measures like conflict resolutions and increased mutual trust in the region, the way it is done by other regional groupings,'' Mr Aziz said here last evening while speaking to a Nepalese media delegation.

He said the increased cooperation among the SAARC member states would help mitigate the common challenges of poverty, illiteracy and development and ensure progress and prosperity in the region.

''However, this cooperation must be on the basis of mutual respect and equality,'' he stressed.

He said, ''Pakistan is committed to peace in the region and desires a just and negotiated solution of the long-standing Kashmir issue, which caters to the true wishes of Kashmiris as well as to the satisfaction of both India and Pakistan.'' With Pakistan's economy open to business, the two countries could work for increased trade and economic cooperation, he said, adding Pakistan was also keen to have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Nepal.

The Pakistan PM also recalled his visit to the Himalayan nation in 2004 and said the country was a haven for tourists.

He also talked about terrorism and said the environment of peace and security was vital for the progress and prosperity of the region as well as for the world in this globalised era.

Mr Aziz said the general phenomenon of linking Islam was based on misunderstanding as the faith, which is a religion of peace and harmony, has nothing to do with terrorism.

He said there was a need to project Islam in its true perspective.

UNI

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