THE D-8 summit recently ended in Islamabad with the signing of a D-8 Declaration which lays stress on joint efforts in the promotion and enhancement of socioeconomic development, energy security, peace and democracy among the member-states.

The developing eight Muslim countries also reiterated their resolve to enhance their share in global trade by 15 per cent by 2018. Besides this, they pledged to work jointly to confront common challenges, especially achieving food security, mitigating the impact of natural disasters and countering all forms of extremism which undermine economic progress and adversely affect people’s livelihood.

Undoubtedly, this can be called a historic moment. However, the promises made are high and the most crucial phase of implementation of these pledges into reality is yet to be seen.

As a matter of fact the history of many supra-national groupings, of which Pakistan is a member, shows that most of them are high in rhetoric but low in substance.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation are glaring examples. These two groups have done little that can be considered a step towards greater economic and social cooperation among member-states.

The same is the case with the D-8 grouping, established 15 years ago. It has done nothing except holding periodic conferences, though the member-states are rich in human and material resources and represent about 13 per cent of the world population.

In today’s world the regional integration and economic cooperation have far greater importance. It is through cooperation that the nations will derive greater success.

It is time leaders of the D-8 group directed their energies towards planning and cooperation for the sake of respect, dignity and economic prosperity.

It could also increase their participation in decision-making at the international level. Moreover, militancy is another front which could bind D-8 countries in an endeavour to act more decisively to tackle the militant threat.

RAFEEN NASEER AHMED Lahore

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.