Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Pakistan's Push for India-Less SAARC Criticized
Pakistan's leader, Ishaq Dar, wants South Asia to work together without India.
He says India is being rigid and causing problems.
But many people think Pakistan is the one causing issues.
Pakistan blames India for not trading more, but Pakistan hasn't done its part either.
India has given Pakistan special trade status, but Pakistan hasn't done the same.
Pakistan also hasn't helped pay for important projects like the South Asian University.
Without India, which is a big part of South Asia, it's hard to make a successful group.
People think Pakistan should fix its own problems instead of blaming India.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar criticizes SAARC, calling for a more inclusive regionalism without India.
Pakistan blames India for SAARC's stagnation, but analysts argue Pakistan's own actions have impeded regional cooperation.
Pakistan has refused to ratify key SAARC agreements like the Motor Vehicles and Regional Railways Agreements.
India has extended Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan, but Pakistan has not reciprocated.
India funds 90% of the South Asian University's budget, while Pakistan contributes only 2.7%.
- Who
- Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, and Indian analysts
- What
- Criticism of Pakistan's push for a South Asian bloc excluding India
- When
- Recent statements and historical context
- Where
- South Asia, particularly within the context of SAARC
- Why
- Pakistan's frustration with SAARC's stagnation and India's dominance
- SAARC Summit
- Last held in 2014
- Intra-regional Trade
- 5% of total trade in South Asia
- ASEAN Trade
- 25% of total trade
- India's SAU Funding
- 90% of total budget
- Pakistan's SAU Funding
- 2.7% of total budget (since 2010)
- India's MFN Status
- Extended to Pakistan in 1996
- Pakistan's MFN Status
- Not reciprocated