07 January 2004	Wednesday	14 Ziqa'ad 1424

ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: Saarc member countries need to evolve closer ties with each other to make progress in a world that had become a global village. This was stated by minister for water and power, and leader of PPP-S Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao , while presiding over a meeting held to discuss the 12th Saarc Summit and the Islamabad Declaration here on Tuesday.

A number of MNAs and senators of PPP-S attended the event and praised the steps taken by Saarc countries for restoring peace and understanding in South Asia.

The federal minister said: "War is not a political answer to differences". He appreciated the declaration which focused on promoting peace, stability, amity and progress in South Asia through strict adherence to United Nations charter. He also lauded the steps taken for creating better understanding and mutual exchange of technology and expertise between Saarc countries.