WHILE regional groupings such as the EU and Asean have brought states — including former enemies — closer, this formula has not worked in South Asia. In fact, this region is often described as one of the least integrated in the world, and Saarc, founded nearly four decades ago, has remained a moribund forum, primarily because of the toxic nature of the Pakistan-India relationship.

In a recent tweet to mark Saarc Charter Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif indicated Pakistan’s resolve to revive the eight-member bloc, while ruing the “missed opportunities” linked to lack of integration. Idealistic rhetoric aside, the revival of Saarc is a tall order, but not an impossible task if all eight members, primarily Pakistan and India, wish to use the forum to improve the quality of life of the people of South Asia.

Of course, a major irritant in the revival of Saarc is India’s rigidity, especially under Narendra Modi’s watch, and its desire to isolate Pakistan internationally. It is because of this attitude that Pakistan was not able to host the 2016 Saarc summit; the last time the summit was held was in Nepal in 2014. Yet it is also true that a lack of direction on the India file in Pakistan has not helped matters.

There is little consistency where ties with India are concerned, with the civilian authorities saying one thing, and the powerful military establishment, which has an undeclared veto on all matters concerning India, going in another direction.

Moreover, political parties, when in opposition, have also blasted the government in power for wanting to trade with India. The fiasco earlier this year, when the PTI government decided to re-establish limited trade ties with India, only to take a U-turn soon after receiving criticism, is a case in point.

Where India is concerned, while many in New Delhi may feel that they don’t need Pakistan, and Indian ministers and generals make bellicose noises about ‘taking back’ Pakistani territory, the fact is that a peaceful South Asia is in everyone’s interest.

Despite poverty alleviation efforts, hundreds of millions of Indians continue to live in poverty — in fact, more than the entire population of Pakistan. Surely, if hostility recedes, resources spent on defence can be repurposed to help bring more people out of poverty.

As for Pakistan’s choices, the civilian administration and the military establishment need to be on the same page where India is cornered. Without sacrificing our core concerns, such as Kashmir and the treatment of Muslims in India, the elected leadership, supported by the military, should signal that it is ready to talk peace if India is interested.

Moreover, other Saarc members, particularly Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, can also make a greater effort to help revive the bloc and reduce the Pakistan-India hostility. A quarter of the world’s population will benefit immensely from reduced animosity, and greater connectivity.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2022