It is great honour for Pakistan to host the SCO Summit: Attaullah Tarar

ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (SABAH): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Advocate says holding the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad will pave way for strengthening regional cooperation and resolving common issues.

Addressing a media workshop organized by a Chinese media group in Islamabad on Thursday, Attaullah Tarar said it is great honour for Pakistan to host the SCO Summit.

The Information Minister said the SCO Summit is taking place at the time when our economy is on a positive trajectory and the economic indicators are showing positive trends.

The Minister said the country received foreign remittances of worth 8.8 billion dollars during the past three months, while the number of tax filers has also increased due to comprehensive reforms introduced by the government.

He said Pakistan’s IT exports have risen to 3.2 billion dollars, showing 14 percent increase in the overall exports of the country.

About war on terror, Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan lost more than 80 thousand lives in war against terrorism. He said collective regional efforts are required to establish peace in the region.

The Minister said regional cooperation is needed to cope with the impacts of climate change as Pakistan is among the few countries that have been badly affected by the adverse impacts of climate change, despite contributing less than one percent of the total global carbon emission.

Attaullah Tarar emphasized the need to promote culture and people to people contacts among regional countries. He said there is need to focus on digital economy, and increasing trade and investment.

About Palestine issue, he said Pakistan raised an effective voice for Palestine at SCO Summit in Astana last year as well, besides the United Nations.