Regionalism and Pakistan.

Byline: TARIQ MAHMOOD KHAN - Faisalabad

Globalisation is the product of this century which has deep impact on all parts and the nations of the world. Many new phenomena have emerged as a result of this exclusive globalisation. Regionalism is not such a new phenomenon but it has got an immense importance as a by-product of globalisation. New regional groups, unions and organisations have developed like the European Union and SAARC. China's 'One Belt One Road' initiative is also a form of regionalism. Both of these have the same objective of economic cooperation at the regional level as they are considerably successful.

Economic cooperation and development through regional organisations have not been a popular stance in our foreign and internal policies. Our efforts to become a part of such organisations are very week. In the past, we had good chances to gain benefits through regional pacts and accords, but it all remained ineffective. RCD (Regional Cooperation for Development) which was established by Pakistan, Iran and Turkey in 1964 had a great potential for Pakistan's economic prosperity. Similarly, when ECO (Economic Cooperation Organisation) was revived in 1992 and 10 countries became its members; this could be a game changer in the region. That was a big economic opportunity for us. We could not envision its future prospects and its infrastructure were not established. Central Asian States which were liberated from the Soviet Union were landlocked and rich in natural resources. They along with Afghanistan needed a land route which could connect them to the world through the ports of Gwadar and Karachi. But due to the external pressure and internal deficiencies, we could not stabilise this organisation. Its result is that we could not get away with our economic dependencies on the West.

SAARC was established for the cultural, educational and economic cooperation in the South Asia. It could not perform up to the expectations due to the Indian intentions and behaviour. Recently in June 2017, Pakistan has become a full member of the Snanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This is a Eurasian organisation which is basically designed for the economic motives. This can be a beneficial bond for the members in the future, but remembering our past and present scenario, there is very little hope of its success for Pakistan.

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