Pakistan exploring possibility of greater South Asian economic alliance

According to a report published in Dawn newspaper on Wednesday, a parliamentary delegation from Pakistan recently pitched this idea during its five-day visit to Washington last week.

“Apparently, the showdown forced Pakistan to conclude that in its present shape, SAARC will always be dominated by India. That’s why they are now talking about a greater South Asia,” an unnamed senior diplomat was quoted as saying in Dawn newspaper.

Another diplomat told the paper that “Pakistan hopes that this new arrangement will give it more room to manoeuvre when India tries to force a decision on it”.

The newspaper further quoted Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed as saying that a greater South Asia was already emerging. “The greater South Asia includes China, Iran and the neighbouring Central Asian republics,” Syed told Dawn.

The newspaper also stated quoting diplomatic observers that the proposed arrangement also suits China as it is also worried about India’s rapidly growing influence in the region.

Pakistan is apparently irritated over the way India used its influence to isolate this Islamic nation in SAARC as member countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan joined India to boycott the summit leading to its indefinite postponement.

The boycott took place in the light of September 18 terrorist attack at Uri army camp in Kashmir where India alleges Pakistan-backed militants were involved—a charge which Pakistan denies.

thebiharpost.com/IBNS