Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his message marking the 40th anniversary of the SAARC Charter Day, extended warm greetings to the peoples and governments of all SAARC member states, calling the day an occasion to reaffirm shared aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia.

The Prime Minister noted that SAARC was founded to provide a vital platform for dialogue, cooperation and strengthening inter-state bonds in the region. While acknowledging that these objectives have remained unfulfilled due to political considerations within the region, he commended the SAARC Secretariat for its dedicated efforts to promote collaboration and uphold the organization's goals.

Underscoring the growing global emphasis on regional cooperation, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of enhancing economic, digital and people-to-people connectivity across South Asia to boost trade, investment, innovation and cultural exchange.

He highlighted the shared challenges confronting the region - including poverty, climate-induced disasters, food and energy insecurity, and public health threats - noting that these issues require collective responses rooted in trust, goodwill and mutual cooperation.

Reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the SAARC Charter, the Prime Minister emphasized that cooperation based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and constructive engagement can unlock South Asia's immense potential.

He urged member states to recommit to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous South Asia defined by collaboration, connectivity and a shared vision for the collective well-being of its peoples.