Abstract
The paper explores the progress of regional cooperation in various functional
areas as identified by South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC) since its inception in 1985. It also examines whether and to what
extent SAARC has been successful in accomplishing the goals enshrined in its
charter. SAARC was formed: to promote peace, amity, stability and progress
in the region; to promote the welfare and quality of life of people; to
accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development, and;
to attain collective and national self-reliance through joint efforts. SAARC
made significant progress in several areas, such as: agriculture and rural
development; environment; science and technology; human resource
development including education, arts, culture and sports; transport;
telecommunications, and information and communication technology; tourism,
and energy. It has concluded several agreements and conventions besides
setting up a few regional centres to realize its objectives. Generally, SAARC
has not successful in implementing its programs and projects due to various
reasons. It has been short of achieving several of its goals which makes its
performance dismal.
Authors
1-Manzoor Ahmed Naazer Assistant Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, International Islamic University, Islamabad.2-Sumbul Hussan Junior Research Fellow at HRC, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Keywords
SAARC, South Asia, Regional Cooperation, IPA, Performance
DOI Number
10.31703/gssr.2016(I-I).02
Page Nos
18-38
Volume & Issue
I - I
