Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 392 Mon. July 04, 2005  
   
Letters to Editor


Saarc and Pakistan


I have read now and then about Saarc, the association of South Asian countries. Why did Pakistan become a member of that association? As a Pakistani living in the United States for the last 30 years, I, and most of the Pakistanis, don't like the idea that Pakistan is a member of that association. I lived in West Pakistan for about one year and before that I lived in East Bengal which later became East Pakistan.

The years 1969 and 1970 were the years that still torment me. My family flew out of that part of Pakistan leaving everything there that my family had brought from India.

Pakistan should look towards West not East.

***

It's indeed good news that the twice postponed Saarc summit will finally be held in Dhaka on November 12 to 13.

It was founded with the countries of South Asia which are: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It's believed that the late president Ziaur Rahman felt the necessity of forming Saarc to counter the aggressive policy of the powerful nations. To serve one's country best the first thing that you need is deep and sincere love for the country.

We are looking forward to the Saarc summit with the hope that the regional forum will play its due role in future and thus fulfill the dreams of the peoples.

Md Toufiqur Rahman Rothkola, Kishoreganj