ISLAMABAD, Dec 30: The government is committed to the welfare and uplift of rural areas and will welcome the enhanced cooperation from the Centre On Integrated Rural Development for Asia and Pacific (CIRDAP) to which Pakistan is founding member since 1979.

These views were expressed by Maj Tahir Iqbal (retired), the state minister for the ministry of environment, local government and rural development during a meeting with Dr Mya Maung, director-general CIRDAP here on Tuesday.

The minister said the organization had a special significance with reference to being consisted of members of two major regional associations of Asia, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) and Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean).

This can act as a bridge between the Saarc and Asean member countries in the rural development of these developing countries.

The minister said his ministry was very much related to the rural development programme and devolution of power and establishment of new Local Government system was aimed to empower the people at grass roots level so that they may be able for making programmes and plans for their economic and social uplift as per their rural requirements.

In order to develop agriculture, forestry and local industry efforts are being made for creating awareness and provision of conducive environment, he said.

He expressed his confidence over the programme of the CIRDAP, which he said was an important regional inter-governmental and autonomous institution, and would be helpful in the cause of rural development.

The visiting director-general appreciated the government’s efforts made the for the progress and human resources development in the rural areas and assured their possible cooperation in this respect.

He expressed the hope that Pakistan would enhance the cooperation and would host the next meeting of its governing council, highest policymaking body of the institution in Pakistan.