Perhaps the writer forgot that Pakistan spends over $5 billion every year for defence against Saarc co-member India. Pakistan is coincidentally requesting $5 billion in foreign assistance for recovery from the earthquake. Turkey's generous offer is unfortunately a drop in the bucket.

If Saarc 's vision is implemented, member states such as Pakistan will no longer need to hold out their begging bowls. The people of South Asia are beginning to realise that most of their debacles from mass poverty to religious strife to arms race are self-inflicted. If we can put our egos aside and work collaboratively together, we can reach our potential and win more respect from the outside world.