The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was the symbol of hope to more than 1.8 billion citizens in eight countries for decades. It was established in 1985 with the visionary objectives of integration in the region. SAARC is currently witnessing dangerous paralysis, as it approaches its 41-year milestone. This organization has been inactive since India boycotted the 2016 summit in Islamabad. This boycott paralyzed a forum that could be used to address the common issues facing South Asia. Pakistan occupies a geopolitically advantageous position within this fragmented regional environment. It can revive SAARC due to its economic needs and diplomatic expertise. This would open the dormant potential of South Asia.
SAARC’s Deadlock: Holding Back Trade, Security, and Growth
SAARC’s paralysis is more than a diplomatic stalemate; it is an economic and security failure with real human costs. South Asian intra-regional trade is currently at just 5-7% of overall trade, as compared to the EU (45%) and ASEAN (22%), placing future untapped trade potential at an estimated $144 billion per year. Trading in South Asia is costlier than trading with more distant destinations; in India, it costs 20 % more to trade with Pakistan than with Brazil, 22 times further. This neighbor penalty damps economic development and innovation.
Source: Nextias
In terms of security, Pakistan, which is ranked second in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, is familiar with the extent to which insecurity and underdevelopment are intertwined. The legal frameworks of SAARC, such as the Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism, provide regional cooperation tools. However, failed to take any effective measures because of the political divisions. However, regional issues like terrorism and climate emergencies necessitate exactly the kind of cooperation that SAARC was established to provide.
Pakistan Strategic Imperative and Leadership Assets
Revival of SAARC is not merely a diplomatic objective of Pakistan, but it is a strategic requirement related to the security and economic future of Pakistan. Decades of regional instability have demonstrated that the success of Pakistan lies in collaboration with neighboring countries. Fortunately, Pakistan has several assets that can fuel the rebirth of SAARC.
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Geographical Pivot & Infrastructure Foundation
Pakistan is the crossroads between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), along with all its challenges, provides real infrastructure such as ports, roads, and energy projects. They can facilitate greater regional integration. The currently operational Gwadar Port gives the currently landlocked countries of Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics a shorter efficient trade route. Pakistan can advertise CPEC not as a competitor to SAARC but as a common, open-access platform to drive regional integration.
Diplomatic Capital & Shifting Alliances
Pakistan’s positive role in the May 2025 crisis with India earned it strong support internationally, especially from China. This gives Pakistan influence in regional matters. It is seen as a stabilizing force at SAARC’s western frontier because of its support for peace in Afghanistan and its growing ties with Central Asia. These relationships can help revive SAARC’s role in solving regional issues.
Trade Potential & Economic Reforms
Due to economic pressure, Pakistan now desperately needs access to the massive trade potential of South Asia. Trade potentials remain unexploited, with 93% for Bangladesh, 86% for Pakistan, and 83% for Afghanistan. Pakistan can take the lead in implementing practical measures, such as simplified customs procedures, harmonized standards, and a broader SAFTA positive list. It can also initiate energy collaboration, e.g., Nepal and Bhutan could export some of their hydroelectric energy to Pakistan and India, where the political issues are less problematic.
A Practical Pakistani Roadmap towards SAARC Revival
Pakistan could adopt a bold yet pragmatic roadmap to revive SAARC through a multi-dimensional approach. It should begin with diplomatic efforts toward countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, nations already inclined toward regional cooperation. The idea of holding even a symbolic SAARC summit, similar to the one initiated by Dr. Yunus, would be a step toward breaking the psychological deadlock. Meanwhile, delivering quick wins, such as focused technical meetings on climate change, pandemic preparedness, and digital connectivity, can rebuild trust and demonstrate SAARC’s value through actions, not just words. These issues are non-controversial and allow for shared progress without political tension.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
Pakistan must manage the India-Pakistan standoff with flexibility. Virtual summits or rotating hosts among smaller members are smart ways to break existing barriers. Backchannel talks with India can show that SAARC is about cooperation, not conflict. Pakistan can also turn CPEC into a regional asset by opening its infrastructure, especially Gwadar Port, as a trade hub for SAARC countries. This can make CPEC a shared resource. Finally, involving the private sector and civil society through a SAARC Business Forum and similar networks can build grassroots support for regional integration, something governments will struggle to ignore.
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Conclusion
Reviving SAARC is not just desirable, but crucial for Pakistan’s long-term security and economic growth. Diplomacy, compromise, and vision, along with a strong commitment to SAARC’s core idea of sovereign equality, should guide this effort. Pakistan should see CPEC as part of a bigger regional plan and find solutions, no matter India’s opposition. Doing nothing is too costly: it means missed economic chances, more insecurity, and a region falling further behind. With its key position, new geo-economic focus, and stronger regional influence, Pakistan is ready to break the deadlock. By steadily and practically working for SAARC’s revival, Pakistan can be the key to a more cooperative and prosperous South Asia.
