Pakistan believes in strength of regional cooperation: PM

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has said that Pakistan is a firm believer in the strength and potential of regional cooperation for individual, national and regional development. In his message pertaining to 35th SAARC Charter Day, the prime minister said 8th of December marks the day when leaders with vision and foresight adopted the SAARC Charter and pledged to work together for the progress and prosperity of South Asia. Imran Khan said this day reminds us of the enormous responsibility placed on our shoulders by our peoples and their expectations from their leaders to address the common challenges of poverty, illiteracy, disease and under-development. He said Pakistan further believes that effective and result-oriented regional cooperation can be achieved only by adhering to the cardinal principles of sovereign equality and mutual respect as enshrined in the SAARC Charter. Earlier, PM Imran Khan has asked relevant authorities to check price-hike of essential commodities, hoarding and unreasonable rising prices of food staples. Addressing a high-level meeting, the prime minister has underscored that the provision of relief to people from poor and lower income backgrounds is top priority of the incumbent government. He also directed to review steps taken by the provincial governments regarding control on prices of essential items. PM Khan emphasized to establish an integrated system of future planning to ensure the provision of essential items according to the requirements of the country. This will not only help ensure the cultivation of required commodities but also lead to timely decisions for imports and exports. The premier directed for taking administrative steps for effective control of prices. He said he will personally chair the meeting on price control every week. Expressing serious concern on adulteration in eatables, medicines and other products, Imran Khan said corruption in items of eating is a serious issue that poses direct threat to society. He directed to collect data on adulteration in the first phase in order to devise an action plan to eradicate this menace.