
South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions in the world. While the EU, ASEAN, and even parts of Africa have made real progress in regional cooperation, SAARC has stagnated — largely due to persistent tensions between India and Pakistan. The idea of South Asian unity shouldn’t be abandoned, but it must be reimagined.
It is time for the other South Asian countries, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan, to explore a new, functional alliance, free from bilateral hostilities and political paralysis. This new bloc could be modular, allowing member states to opt in to specific areas of cooperation without being bound by all protocols.
The potential is transformative. Visa-free travel, mutual right to work, a customs union, banking integration without transaction fees and the removal of import restrictions and letters of credit to boost trade, investment and mobility across the region. This compact could also include mutual recognition of professional qualifications, academic degrees, trademarks and court decisions, helping create a truly common space for business, education and justice.
This is not about creating an anti-India bloc. It is about breaking free from inertia. When regional progress is blocked by one member’s veto or absence, the rest must move forward. India may choose to join later when mutual respect and parity become possible. But the people of South Asia cannot afford to wait forever.
Raheem Jamali Advocate
Quetta