‘We have great potential and if we resolve our problems, this region could become a big power,` says Imran Khan

Islamuddin Sajid: Pakistan’s prime minister on Wednesday proposed the formation of an EU-like regional bloc of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) countries.

“Our combined population is over 450 million, we have great potential and if we resolve our problems, this region could become a big power,” Imran Khan said at the closing session of the Parliamentary Assembly of ECO in the capital Islamabad.

Khan said peace in Afghanistan will help connect Central Asian republics with Pakistan.

“Our unity will be beneficial for all of us [ECO countries]," Khan said, adding the ECO states should give incentives to each other and enhance economic and trade relations.

"Regional blocks could help in countries’ development and EU is a clear example as all their member states are now developed," Khan added.

He applauded the heads of ECO parliaments on adopting a unanimous declaration on Kashmir and Palestine, and termed it "a big step."

“Despite the United Nations Security Council resolution, Kashmiris and Palestinians are still deprived of their rights and I appreciate that today you took a clear stance on this injustice," the premier said.

On Tuesday, the participants of the conference reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of Palestine and Indian-administered Kashmir, and condemned “gross human rights violations” in these regions, according to a statement by Pakistan’s National Assembly.

"[We] deplore the unilateral economic sanctions and extra-territorial jurisdiction or political pressures as tools applied in violation of the United Nations charter and international law and express our full support to ECO member states affected by such illegal tools," said the statement.

Khan also urged the ECO countries to cooperate with each other on climate issues as the region is facing the worst impacts of climate change.

Highlighting the importance of peace in Afghanistan for regional connectivity, Khan said all regional countries should join hands to bring peace to Afghanistan.

"Peace in Afghanistan is important for all of us and we [ECO countries] should help find a peaceful political settlement in Afghanistan, otherwise a new wave of terrorism could start after the US forces pull out," he said.

Speakers and parliament heads from Turkey, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Turkmenistan also spoke at the closing session of the conference and vowed to bring the ECO countries closer to each other.