Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz yesterday announced a five-point roadmap to make the Saarc relevant to South Asians, saying that vitiated political atmosphere, disputes and mistrust slowed down the forum in gaining its desired goals. "How relevant is Saarc to our people? How has it impacted on their lives? Where is the Saarc dividend for our people? These are some of the challenging questions that we, as leaders of South Asia, must answer," he said in his speech at the opening session of the 14th summit.

Aziz suggested an environment of genuine peace and security in the region by resolving differences and disputes, establishing mutual trust and confidence, respect for sovereign equality, building interdependencies and sharing best practices to have real benefits that accrue equally to all sides and a level-playing field for a truly effective regional division of labour and production.

“As a first step, we require a truly open environment for regional trade devoid of all types of barriers to free trade," the Pak premier said, adding that the implementation of the roadmap is not impossible if there is necessary political will.

He said: "We must be able to rise above our differences for the good ofour people and ourfuturegenera-

tions. These future generations will judge (us) by our actions and not by ourwords."

The Pakistan prime minister focused on enhancement of trade and economic activity, which must show sensitivity to the need for creating a level playing field, market access and development in each member state.

He said interconnectivity through improving infrastructure, regionwide transportation and communication links, promotion of energy security, poverty alleviation, protection of environment, Saarc Food Bank will held reach the Saarc agenda.

Aziz hoped that South Asian leaders, who assembled at the summit, have the courage and determination to change the course of South Asian history.

He said: "It is time to place our people in the centre of the Saarc process...a reservoir of trust that can be continually drawn upon in dealing with difficult issues to unleash the true potential of the peoples of our region."