Pakistan has reiterated its strong support for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), calling for renewed efforts to strengthen regional integration and peace.
In an exclusive interview with Banglanews, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, emphasized the need for collective responsibility among South Asian nations to overcome instability and chart a path forward.
“SAARC was conceived and born in Bangladesh. I know the Bangladeshi people and government are very close to SAARC, as well as to Prof. Yunus. In our first meeting, Dr. Yunus emphasized the importance of the SAARC process,” said the envoy, referring to the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr Muhammad Yunus.
While reaffirming Pakistan’s full commitment to the SAARC framework, Maroof hinted at a key obstacle in the way of regional progress, stating, “All the countries in the region want SAARC, except for one country.”
Though he did not name the country directly, his remarks were a clear reference to India, whose strained relations with Pakistan have stalled the summit-level activities of the organization since 2016.
The High Commissioner underscored that Pakistan believes in multilateral engagement and regional unity. “It is the collective responsibility of all member countries to maintain regional stability. We are committed to working for the stability of the region,” he said.
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, Maroof’s call for cooperation stood in contrast to the prevailing climate of hostility. He warned against war rhetoric and emphasized the need for wisdom, dialogue, and diplomacy.
Diplomatic observers note that with a new interim leadership in Dhaka and increased momentum in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations after the recent resumption of Foreign Secretary-level talks, the call for reviving SAARC may gain fresh traction.
As the region grapples with a fragile peace, Pakistan’s renewed appeal for SAARC's revival underscores the urgency of moving beyond bilateral rivalries to foster meaningful regional cooperation.
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