Saarc ministers meet in Islamabad to discuss terror, drugs

Islamabad, Aug 3 (IANS) Home Ministers from seven Saarc countries, minus Bangladesh, are meeting here on Wednesday for a two-day conclave with regional affairs, terrorism, drugs and human trafficking on the agenda.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) interior ministers meet is being held at a local five-star hotel.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is to officially inaugurate the session.

It is expected to be attended by interior ministers from all Saarc states except for Bangladesh, which is sending senior diplomats and officials for the meet.

Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh is also attending the conference.

Singh is not to hold a one-on-one with his Pakistani counterpart Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

The Saarc group includes Pakistan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

The platform aims to boost ties and cooperation between member states.