2016-01-02 Sat

SAARC – South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation is an economic and political organisation formed by eight countries that were primarily located in South Asia with its Headquarters at Kathmandu. The SAARC aims to promote economic welfare and to accelerate socio-cultural development in the region.

The fourth summit was held in Islamabad, Pakistan on 29–31 December 1988 and was attended by the presidents of Bangladesh, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, the prime ministers of India and Pakistan, and the kings of Bhutan and Nepal.

The summit discussed the coup attempt on 3 November 1988, declared 1989 to be the "SAARC Year Against Drug Abuse".

It was further declared that 1990 would be the "SAARC Year of the Girl Child". The summit agreed to set up a technical committee on education, and launched a regional plan called "SAARC-2000-A Basic Needs Perspective" to meet specific targets by the end of the twentieth century in areas such as food, shelter, education and environmental protection.

It was also agreed to hold regular "South Asian Festivals" with the first being hosted by India.

Two commemorative stamps were issued on this occasion. The INR 1 stamps depicting the theme "SAARC Year of the Girl Child" with a slogan ‘Care for the Girl Child’ was issued in 1990.

The INR 4 stamps depict the SAARC target of providing shelter is with the legend ‘SARRC Year of Shelter’ was issued in 1991.