Which regional bloc, of which Pakistan is a founding member alongside India, Bangladesh and others, focuses on South Asian regional cooperation?
A
ASEAN
B
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
C
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
D
Bay of Bengal Initiative (BIMSTEC)
Correct Answer: Option B — South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
Explanation:
SAARC, founded in 1985 with Pakistan as a founding member, remains the principal (though often strained) forum for South Asian regional cooperation among eight member states.