Islamabad, Feb 6: Dr. Usman Chohan, Director of Economic Affairs and National Development at CASS, recently discussed the promising potential for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) amid the evolving cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Both nations have demonstrated a renewed commitment to regional peace and prosperity despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. Dr. Chohan emphasized that beyond governmental ties, fostering people-to-people connections would be key to ensuring sustained and prosperous cooperation between the two countries.
During the discussion at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, highlighted remarks made by SAARC Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar during his 2024 visit. These remarks stressed Bangladesh’s renewed dedication to regional cooperation and development.
Ambassador Saleem also pointed to the growing bilateral relations, citing recent meetings between government leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Dr. Yunus, and the anticipated resumption of direct flights as steps that would strengthen ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He stressed that these developments could potentially lead to a breakthrough at SAARC.
Addressing concerns about the potential pressures on Bangladesh from India as a result of strengthening ties with Pakistan, Saleem clarified that the focus of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations was not centered on India. Both countries, he explained, seek regional harmony and prosperity, an area that has long been marred by conflicts, limiting economic integration.
Dr. Chohan also commented on Bangladesh’s political landscape, noting that while the Awami League’s chances of regaining a majority were slim, the party would still remain a significant political force. He highlighted that the anti-Pakistan campaign launched by the Awami League had faced a significant setback as the people of Bangladesh increasingly recognized the truth. This shift in public sentiment, Dr. Chohan emphasized, was an important development in strengthening bilateral relations.
He further stressed the importance of mutual respect and acceptance between Pakistan and Bangladesh, underscoring the value of cultural exchanges, tourism, and collaboration in industries such as music and film. These initiatives, he argued, could counter negative portrayals of Pakistan and build stronger cultural ties between the two nations.
The event attracted a broad audience of senior journalists, reporters, researchers, academics, and students, reflecting the growing interest in strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and revitalizing SAARC as a platform for regional cooperation.
