ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan was jointly working with SAARC member states in changing the economic landscape of the region and getting its people out of clutches of poverty, illiteracy, and other social ills.

Addressing the 8th meeting of the SAARC Finance Ministers here on Friday, he said Pakistan is ready to contribute to fulfill aspirations of the people of the region.

“Pakistan is playing a pivotal role for peace in South Asia region,” he said, adding: “Three decades back, South Asian leadership had made commitment to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development of our region.

PM Sharif said in this era of globalization, the world focuses on finding the regional solution to common problems.

“SAARC had made a vow to improve the standard of living of its people and develop the region three decades ago. He added that the association is working hard to resolve the region’s political and economic problems,” he said. “SAARC provides a platform for peace in the region.”

The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that deliberations of Finance Ministers would complement the agenda of 19th SAARC summit, which Pakistan looks forward to host in Islamabad on 9th and 10th of November this year.

The two-day SAARC Finance Ministers moot opened in Islamabad on Thursday. The finance secretaries of the member countries discussed the prevailing level of financial and economic cooperation among the members of the grouping on the first day of the moot.