Abstract
The paper explores the weaknesses and potentials of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to promote peace and stability in the region. SAARC was established in 1985 with a single-point agenda of promoting regional trade and economic cooperation in one of the most capricious regions of Asia. Unfortunately, since its inception, the SAARC has remained hostage to the unending rivalry between India and Pakistan, where high politics is well prioritized over low politics. Owing to their genetic enmity and hostile strategic environment, both nuclear-armed neighbours have been investing heavily on their defence sectors, ignoring the socio-economic development. Despite being the fastest growing region in the world, it is the poorest region after Sub-Saharan Africa, home of around 400 million poors. According to UNDP, 21 percent of Pakistan’s population and 22.6 percent of the Indian population live under $1.25 a day. With immense untapped natural resources, sizable human resource, extreme poverty and chronic unresolved issues, South Asia needs a different model of regional economic for peace, progress and development in this region.
Dr. Nazir Hussain, Mansoor Ahmed . (2015) SAARC Potential for Peace in South Asia, Balochistan Review, Volume 1, Issue 1.
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