Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985, aimed to promote peace, stability, amity and progress in the region through collective action. However, the organization has been plagued by several challenges, hindering its effectiveness. Currently, SAARC is largely inactive, with the 19th summit scheduled for 2016 in Islamabad being postponed indefinitely following the Uri attack. Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Pakistan and its documented interference in the internal affairs of other member states, particularly India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, pose significant threats to the very foundation of SAARC and its future viability.
The Impact of Cross-Border Terrorism
Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorist groups operating within India has been a long-standing point of contention. The 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the 2016 Pathankot and Uri attacks are frequently cited as examples of Pakistan-based terrorist groups targeting India. These attacks not only cause significant loss of life and economic damage but also erode trust and hinder any meaningful dialogue within SAARC. India has consistently raised these concerns at SAARC forums, but progress has been limited due to Pakistan’s denial and lack of concrete action.
Interference in Internal Affairs
Beyond terrorism, Pakistan has been accused of meddling in the internal affairs of other SAARC member states.
- Afghanistan: Pakistan’s alleged support for the Taliban and its influence in Afghanistan’s internal political dynamics have been a source of tension.
- Bangladesh: Accusations of supporting extremist groups and destabilizing activities in Bangladesh have strained relations.
- Nepal: Historically, there have been concerns regarding Pakistan’s attempts to influence Nepal’s political landscape.
- Maldives: During the 2018 political crisis in the Maldives, Pakistan swiftly sent military aid at the request of the then-President Abdulla Yameen, raising concerns about interference.
Such interference undermines the principle of sovereign equality enshrined in the SAARC Charter and creates an environment of distrust and suspicion.
SAARC’s Inability to Address Challenges
SAARC’s structure and decision-making process, based on unanimous consensus, have proven to be a major impediment to effective action. Pakistan’s ability to veto any resolution critical of its actions has effectively paralyzed the organization. The principle of non-interference, while intended to promote regional harmony, has been exploited by Pakistan to shield its activities from scrutiny. The lack of a robust dispute resolution mechanism further exacerbates the situation.
Alternative Regional Cooperation Initiatives
The stalled progress of SAARC has led to the emergence of alternative regional cooperation initiatives. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), which includes India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand, has gained prominence as a more viable platform for regional cooperation. Similarly, initiatives like the India-Afghanistan-Iran trilateral agreement demonstrate a willingness among some countries to pursue cooperation outside the SAARC framework.
| SAARC | BIMSTEC |
|---|---|
| Founded: 1985 | Founded: 1997 |
| Members: 8 (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) | Members: 7 (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand) |
| Decision-making: Unanimous consensus | Decision-making: Consensus-based, but more flexible |
| Effectiveness: Limited due to political tensions | Effectiveness: Relatively higher, less hampered by bilateral disputes |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the increasing instances of cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s interference in the internal affairs of other member states have severely undermined the principles and objectives of SAARC. While the idea of regional cooperation remains valuable, the current environment of distrust and hostility makes it unlikely that SAARC will regain its former prominence in the near future. The rise of alternative regional initiatives like BIMSTEC suggests a shift towards more pragmatic and focused cooperation among like-minded countries in South Asia. Revitalizing SAARC would require a fundamental change in Pakistan’s behavior and a willingness to address the concerns of other member states constructively.
Answer Length
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