ISLAMABAD, Nov 5: The third meeting of the heads of National Coordination Committees of SAARC Social Charter concluded here Wednesday after adopting its report for the prosperity of the region.

The meeting reviewed the progress and status on the implementation of the SAARC Social Charter in the member states and noted with satisfaction the progress made on the implementation of the Charter.

The meeting also noted that the recent global increase in energy and commodity prices and current financial crisis had adversely impacted the domestic prices and was likely to affect poverty situation and the allocations made for pro-poor expenditures.However, the member states have taken targeted initiatives to reduce poverty and provide social safety nets, the delegates observed.

The meeting also considered the recommendations of the 15th Saarc Summit and the three reports of the technical committees and acknowledged the quality of work done by them.

In his concluding remarks, Secretary Planning and Development, Suhail Safdar appreciated the contribution made by the delegates through discussions and inputs provided for an excellent report prepared by the committee.

The secretary also acknowledged that collective efforts of the Saarc member states would help achieve the objectives of the Social Charter and ameliorate the sufferings of millions of people living in absolute poverty.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by India appreciating the Pakistan Government for the arrangements for the meeting.—PPI