March 2, 2003	Sunday	Zul Hijjah 28, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, March 1: The second meeting of Saarc communications ministers which was scheduled to be held here from March 7 to 8 and preceded by senior officials meeting on March 6 has been postponed because of non-confirmation of participation by India.

Earlier, Pakistan had proposed to hold the second meeting of Saarc communications ministers in Islamabad from Dec 20 to 21, last year.

While confirmations of participation from the member states were being received, the Indian government sought a postponement on technical grounds.

Keeping in line with the Saarc spirit of goodwill and cooperation, Pakistan went along with the Indian request and postponed the meeting.

To allow member states adequate prior notice, March 7 to 8 were immediately announced as the fresh dates for the meeting.

It is indeed regrettable that India has yet again decided to scuttle an important Saarc activity.

By not participating in the 12th Saarc summit and pulling out of the 9th South Asian Federation Games being held in Islamabad, besides its latest decision to withhold participation in the second meeting of Saarc communications ministers clearly demonstrate that India instead of promoting cooperation and amity in the region, is actually out to harm Saarc.—APP