Islamabad:
Pakistan and China are working on a proposal to establish a new regional organization that could potentially replace the now abandoned South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Discussions between Islamabad and Beijing are now at an advanced stage, as both sides are convinced that a new organization needs the hour of regional integration and connection, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the development.
The recent trilateral meeting in Pakistan, China and Bangladesh, held in Kunming, China, was part of these diplomatic maneuvers.
The meeting attended by senior diplomats from three countries was first of its kind that raised eyebrows in India.
The ultimate goal of the meeting in Kunming on June 19 was to invite other South Asian countries, which were part of SAARC, to participate in the new grouping.
According to sources, India would be invited to the new proposed forum, but given its divergent interests, it is unlikely to respond positively.
Nevertheless, other countries, including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, are expected of Afghanistan to name a few that they are part of the grouping.
The main purpose of the new organization is to seek greater regional commitment through improved trade and connection.
If the proposal is realized, Saarc, once christened the EU (EU) in South Asia, would be dead as ever.
Saarc could not reach his declared goals as it remained hostage of conflicting bonds between Pakistan and India.
The regional grouping last held its summit a decade ago. Pakistan was to host the 2016 summit, but India Boikoted the meeting in Islamabad. Bangladesh, who was ruled by Pro-India Sheikh Hasina Wajid at that time, also joined New Delhi to stay away from the top.
Since then, no serious efforts were made to revive the organization, although Pakistan was eager to host the summit.
Recently, SAARC was treated with another deadly battle as India withdrew from offering special visas under the organization to Pakistani Business People after the Pahagam attack.
Pakistan and China discussed the proposal from the new organization for months and came to the conclusion that like -minded countries should join forces with a better future.
India, believers, because of its divergent interests, find themselves misfit in other regional groups, such as Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Prime Minister Narendra Modi jumped over the last two SCO top meetings. The 10-member Security Alliance includes China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and some Central Asian states.
The presence of China and Russia often refer to SCO as a regional block of challenging west. However, in recent years India seems to be in violation of the SCO agenda.
