ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has remained inactive for the past eleven years due to India’s refusal to participate, calling New Delhi’s approach a major obstacle to meaningful regional cooperation.
In his message on the 40th anniversary of SAARC Charter Day, President Zardari congratulated the governments and people of South Asian nations, while highlighting the urgent need to revive regional collaboration.
The President said Pakistan successfully hosted the 4th and 12th SAARC Summits in the past, but the 19th Summit, scheduled in Islamabad in 2016, had to be postponed after India backed out. “SAARC’s process has been in a deadlock ever since,” he noted.
President Zardari added that India’s attitude continues to hinder peace, development, and effective cooperation in the region. He also confirmed that discussions are increasing on forming an alternative regional framework.
Highlighting future possibilities, the President said the inclusion of Iran and China in regional initiatives could significantly enhance connectivity. Pakistan, he emphasised, remains committed to a comprehensive, cooperative regional system and is ready to strengthen trade, transit, and energy linkages.
“The challenges faced by our region are shared, and their solutions must also be shared,” he said, stressing that mutual respect and cooperation are essential for a peaceful and prosperous South Asia.
