Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has said that regional challenges cannot be addressed in isolation; rather, a concerted action under the umbrella of the United Nations will prove highly effective. "Strong regional cooperation is central to tackling the endemic poverty and fostering an inclusive growth within the region and beyond.
Underlining the need for joint action, Pakistan is committed to promoting policy coherence on shared regional concerns and pressing development challenges," the speaker expressed these views while speaking to Assistant Secretary General United Nations Hao Liang Xu and Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan Ignacio Artaza, who called on him at Parliament House on Tuesday. Convener Parliamentary Force on SDGs Riaz Fatyana was also present on the occasion.
The speaker also appreciated the United Nation for its unwavering support to the government of Pakistan for its social sector development initiatives. The speaker also acknowledged the contributions of UNDP in rendering effective assistance to Parliament in various aspects.
The speaker said that Pakistan is an agricultural country and its economy depends on agriculture. Increase in agricultural commodity production and the welfare of farmers are among the primary priorities of the present government, he added. While talking about the formation of Special Committee on Agriculture in National Assembly, the speaker said the UN and its sub-institutions play their role in the development of agriculture in Pakistan.
Referring to Pakistan's commitment to SDGs, the speaker informed that Pakistan has constituted a Parliamentary Task Force and a dedicated secretariat for SDGs on the premises of the National Assembly Secretariat to fast track progress on SDGs.
Assistant Secretary General United Nations Hao Liang Xu appreciated Pakistan's parliamentary commitment to fast track progress on SDGs and highlighted that UN will continue to assist Pakistan in promoting regional development agenda. He added that undertaking social development and eradication of poverty through sustainable practices are defining parameters for good governance.