Summary
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has suggested expanding a new regional group that includes Bangladesh and China. This group could serve as an alternative to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has been less active due to tensions between India and Pakistan.
Key Facts
- Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar proposed expanding a group with Bangladesh and China.
- The new group aims to enhance cooperation in South Asia, possibly including other countries.
- SAARC, the main South Asian group, has been less effective recently due to India-Pakistan tensions.
- China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh held talks in June about regional stability and economic growth.
- Relations between India and Pakistan remain strained, with a recent brief air conflict.
- Bangladesh's ties with India are also tense after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ousting.
- SAARC was founded in 1985, originally including seven countries, with Afghanistan joining in 2007.
