ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has called for removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers in South Asia saying it is vital for increasing trade between the SAARC member states. Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, who led the Pakistan delegation, said this in his address to the 31st Session of SAARC Council of Ministers in Colombo, according to foreign office statement issued here on Saturday. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken at the 15th SAARC Summit, the statement added. In his address to the Council, the minister of state expressed Pakistan's full support to SAARC and its activities. He emphasised that the South Asian region is faced with major developmental and security challenges, including terrorism, economic recession, food and energy security. He also underscored the need to provide a collective response to these challenges. Emphasizing the need to enhance intra-regional trade, he called for the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers. Condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the minister stressed that Pakistan, itself a victim of terrorism, attaches high priority to combating the menace. In this regard, he announced that Pakistan would be hosting the SAARC Home and Interior Ministers meeting in near future. The Council of Ministers adopted a declaration on terrorism. It also adopted a statement on global economic crisis. .