Q3- “Pakistan is playing an effective role in the SAARC region.

” Highlight
Pakistan’s achievements in this regard.
https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/south-asia-week-pakistans-role-regional-stability

https://www.dawn.com/news/1477422

https://www.arabnews.pk/node/1630576

https://ndu.edu.pk/issra/issra_pub/articles/ndu-journal/NDU-Journal-2017/15-Pakistan-Sri-Lanka-
Relations.pdf

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1423930/pns-zulfiquar-reaches-flood-hit-sri-lanka-relief-goods

http://www.commerce.gov.pk/about-us/trade-agreements/pak-srilanka-free-trade-agreement/

https://pk.nepalembassy.gov.np/nepal-pakistan-relations/

https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/south-asia-week-pakistans-role-regional-stability

Introduction: Pakistan is an active member of SAARC, which provides suitable frameworks to its
member states. Collectively stimulate cooperation and progress and to promote peace and stability in
South Asia. In the South Asian region, Pakistan is very cooperative towards its members in many areas.
Which include defense, security, Economic, Education, Social, Health, Diplomatic support, and
Emergency.

Why Pakistan joined the SAARC organization: The reasons for joining the regional association are to be
establishing lasting peace and friendship and pooling the resources of the region for the overall
development of the member countries.

Achievements of Pakistan in the SAARC region: Pakistan has developed its image as a pivot player in
South Asia. Making Good relations with south Asian countries in many areas and helped them to secure
peace and Economic flourishment.

Pakistan and Srilanka: Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in South Asia with which Pakistan has
endeavored to develop a broad-based relationship covering trade, commerce, culture, and defense
matters.

Defense: Pakistan’s association with Sri Lankan defense forces strengthened in 2009 when it was
engaged in the civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Pakistan supported the Sri
Lanka military by supplying them with defense equipment and intelligence support when most countries
had imposed embargoes. This resulted in the total defeat of LTTE on May 18, 2009. The equation of trust
and friendship further developed during the crisis of Jaffna, when Pakistan obliged to Sri Lankan request
for military aid and airlifted Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs) in an emergency from Karachi to
Colombo. This helped the Sri Lankan military to push back LTTE rebels and secure Jaffna.

Economic: Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is operational from June 12,
2005. Under the Free Trade Agreement, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have agreed to offer preferential market
access to each other’s’ exports by way of granting tariff concessions. Sri Lanka would be able to enjoy
duty-free market access on 206 products in the Pakistani market including tea, rubber, and coconut.
Pakistan, in return, would gain duty-free access to 102 products in the Sri Lankan market. These
products include oranges, basmati rice, and engineering goods.

Emergency: In May 2017 Pakistan navy ship PNS Zulfiqar reached Sri Lanka to provide humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief, carrying relief goods, paramedical facilities, and medicines. The Pakistan
Navy had set up several medical camps in the affected areas where medical officers and paramedical
staff were treating the flood-hit population. The Sri Lankan political and military leaderships have lauded
the Pakistan Navy's swift response and expressed gratitude to the people of Pakistan in general and the
Pakistan Navy in particular.

Pakistan and Afghanistan: Pakistan had helped Afghanistan in many crises, including migrants, Trade,
Education, and Peace Talks for Political settlement of 4 decades of War.

Trade: Afghanistan a landlocked country depends on Pakistan for access to Sea Trade and Supply.
Torkham and Chaman borer are focal points for Goods Movement. The Jalalabad and Peshawar transit
rail track are underway; it will enhance both countries' trade.

Peace: Due to the influence of the Taliban, Pakistan Pressurize the Militant Group to Peace Negotiation
Table in Doha, Qatar. This resulted in a deal with the USA, which ends the hostility between them. Now
the Intra Afghan talks are in progress for the Political settlement of the Afghan war parties.

Education and Health: Pakistan is actively providing Education and health facilities to Afghan Refugees
for decades. Which had improved Pakistan's soft image around the Globe including Unite Nations.

Pakistan and Nepal:

Economic: Nepal-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was set up at the level of Finance Ministers
in 1983. The JEC in its various meetings has agreed, inter alia, to exert efforts to realize the potentials of
expanding trade, investment, and industrial joint ventures.

Emergency: In April 2015, the Government of Pakistan sent immediate assistance to Nepal. It dispatched
rescue and relief teams, food, water, tents, and other relief material. Pakistan took part in the
International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction and pledged support to Nepal. The Government of
Pakistan provided US$ 1 million to the Government of Nepal as a relief to the victims of flood and
landslides in Terai region of Nepal in 2017.

Pakistan and India: India considers itself as Leader of South Asia, which other small countries did not
anticipate. Pakistan is actively supporting Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Srilanka against any
interference by the Indian Military or Economic embargo. Pakistan balanced Indian misadventures and
succeeded by repelling pressure on Maldives President. Also Supported Srilanka in War against LTTE
rebels, which had minimum support of India.

Pakistan and Bangladesh: Despite historic odds, Pakistan supported Bangladesh Diplomatically, where
India cautiously deals with Bangladesh of fear tilting more towards Pakistan. Thus, Bangladesh is more
secure from the aggressive designs of India.

Conclusion: Pakistan is playing an active role by giving support to South Asian countries. In economics,
Security, health, Trade, Education, and other crises. International Community and the United Nations
recognize these efforts. This builds Pakistan Soft Image and diplomatic resources around the Globe as a
Responsible and Trusted country in the world. (849 words).