Lead with a bold, attention-grabbing statement: artificial barriers must be removed if SAARC is to come alive again. That’s the central challenge, and the rest of the discussion explains why—and how—to make it happen.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called for tearing down artificial obstacles that stand in the way of SAARC’s revival and for enabling the bloc to resume its refunctionalization. He shared these thoughts during Islamabad Conclave 2025, themed “Reimagining South Asia: Security, Economy, Climate, Connectivity.”
Dar reaffirmed that SAARC remains Pakistan’s preferred instrument for regional cooperation and outlined a vision of a South Asia where connectivity dissolves divisions, economies grow in concert, and disputes are resolved peacefully in line with international legitimacy, all while sustaining peace with dignity.
He emphasized Pakistan’s willingness to collaborate with any partner sincerely seeking progress for South Asia, stressing the need to reimagine the region and chart pathways toward shared peace, advancement, and prosperity. He argued that tackling regional security challenges, economic fragility, and climate crises is impossible amid political fragmentation and a fractured regional framework, adding that national development goals and regional priorities should not be hostage to inflexible positions.
Referring to the May conflict, Dar asserted that Pakistan demonstrated both resolve and capability to deter aggression. He noted that sustainable peace in South Asia requires more than mere strategic stability and that a just, lasting resolution of Jammu and Kashmir remains essential.
On climate change, he highlighted regional cooperation in water management, climate adaptation, and resilient agricultural policies as absolutely vital. Investments in renewable energy, climate-smart farming, and disaster preparedness were identified as critical levers for sustainable growth and for building resilient communities across the region.
Dar also articulated Pakistan’s aspiration for a fair, inclusive, and equitable world order. He criticized bloc politics and zero-sum approaches, arguing for cooperation over confrontation. Pakistan’s steadfast support for multilateralism grounded in international law, the UN Charter, and reforming multilateral institutions was reiterated, along with a commitment to dialogue, peaceful dispute resolution, and international solidarity.
Controversial point to spark discussion: some may argue that regional cooperation is inherently constrained by rivalries and external power dynamics, which could undercut SAARC’s effectiveness. What balance should be struck between pursuing regional integration and safeguarding national interests? Would stronger enforcement mechanisms or reform of regional institutions materially improve outcomes, or would they provoke new tensions? Please share your thoughts on these questions in the comments.
