ISLAMABAD . May 17, 2022; Addressing the 3rd general conference of the parliamentary assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO) “cooperation in post-pandemic period: challenges and opportunities for recovery” in Baku,Azerbaijan on Tuesday , speaker national assembly , Raja Pervez Ashraf , called for collective efforts to lead region on economic prosperity. He said that PAECO members share a common destiny of progress and prosperity. He added that PAECO has become a robust parliamentary mechanism for pushing the ideals of shared economic prosperity. The speaker national assembly said that centuries of shared history, ethno -cultural similarities, and linguistic links in our societies are closely knitted to each other as our people have a lot in common. He said as representatives of the people it is our obligation to resolve all issues faced by common people. Raja Pervez Ashraf said the pandemic exposed the weak health system and dwindling economies. He said that regional cooperation is imperative to tackle the challenges perpetrated by COVID-19.
Referring to the huge natural potential, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said 10 countries in ECO region have no dearth of resources, talent and potential and yet we look outwards for the solution to our regional challenges. He said reportedly 3 out of 17 countries owning the bulk of the energy wealth of the world, such as crude oil, natural gas and coal, hail from the ECO region. He said 10 ECO countries which were slightly more than the size of total European Union market of 478 million people, lurk in conflict, destitution and darkness. He said ECO region offers a joint market of 500 million inhabitants, which makes up as much as 10% of the total humanity.
Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf called upon all the leaders being the representatives of the people, to seek comprehensive answer to the agony of their people. He said creating consensus and help write a new page of common prosperity for our region was need of the hour. He called for seeking solutions on global and regional issues collectively for the betterment of our people.
Referring to the struggle of the people of Karabagh for freedom, Raja Pervez Ashraf highlighted the plight of the people of Jammu and Kashmir where innocent people are subjected to continued torture, discrimination, and denial of their birthright of self-determination. He also said Afghanistan is an important member of this organization and Peace in Afghanistan is imperative for regional peace. He said that Pakistan has time and again reiterated its principled policy stance that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, urging all sides to re-engage in talks for lasting peace. He said that it was time to build a partnership for mutual cooperation and development.
