By Maryam Noureen Janjua

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established with the hope of fostering economic and political cooperation among South Asian nations, has largely been dormant in recent years due to geopolitical tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan. As the political landscape shifts in Bangladesh, a new era may emerge for SAARC's revival. Pakistan and Bangladesh, two historically linked nations with divergent pasts, now stand at the crossroads of regional diplomacy. In this new scenario, both countries are positioned to build a powerful alliance grounded in economic cooperation and innovative diplomacy.

Pakistan envisions a future where strategic collaboration with Bangladesh promotes regional stability, economic resilience, and long-term prosperity, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperative leadership to face 21st-century challenges. By moving past historical grievances, both countries can craft a future where SAARC becomes a vibrant platform for addressing shared concerns, from trade deficits to climate change. The question, therefore, arises: can Pakistan and Bangladesh, through a renewed partnership, breathe life into SAARC and restore it as a beacon of hope for regional integration?

Pakistan and Bangladesh share more than just historical ties; they also share similar challenges in a rapidly changing global environment.The post-Sheikh Hasina era could herald a new approach for Bangladesh, one less focused on historical animosities and more attuned to the needs of 21st-century diplomacy. Bangladesh’s emerging political leadership may find in Pakistan a potential partner for regional progress rather than a rival locked in the past. Pakistan’s unwavering support for Bangladesh could serve as a pillar of stability, ensuring that both nations rise as key players in the global arena.

In a world of shifting geopolitical landscapes, Pakistan recognizes that Bangladesh’s economic rise as a regional power presents opportunities for collaboration, not competition. Both nations can foster an innovative alliance grounded in economic cooperation and visionary diplomacy. With shared regional responsibilities, Pakistan and Bangladesh are well-poised to create pathways that enhance not only their bilateral ties but also the broader South Asian community.