Media in saarc Countries

Introduction to SAARC

1. Media in SAARC Countries Dr. SHAFAYAT ALI Assistant Professor/HOD Department of Mass Comm. Govt. College of Science, Wahdat Road, Lahore

2. Introduction of SAARC The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985. SAARC comprises of eight Member States: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Secretariat of the Association was set up in Kathmandu on 17 January 1987.

3. Background/History The first concrete proposal for establishing a framework for regional cooperation in South Asia was made by the late president of Bangladesh, Zia- ur - Rehman , on May 2, 1980 . Established on 8 December 1985 . Its seven founding members are Sri Lanka, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

4. Principles of SAARC Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, political equality and independence of all members states. Non-interference in the internal matters. Cooperation for mutual benefit . All decisions to be taken unanimously. All bilateral issues to be kept aside and only multilateral issues to be discussed.

5. Aims and Objectives Welfare of the people of south Asia . Economic growth, social progress and cultural development. Strengthen selective self-reliance among the countries of south Asia . Understanding and appreciation of one another's problems . Strengthen cooperation among themselves as well as with other developing countries and international and regional organizations. Maintain peace in the region.

6. Current Members Afghanistan ( joined the organization in 2007 ) Bangladesh Bhutan India Maldives Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka

7. Observers Australia China European Union Japan Iran Mauritius Myanmar S. Korea USA Myanmar has expressed interest in upgrading its status from an observer to a full member of SAARC . Russia has expressed interest in becoming an observer of SAARC

8. Secretariat The SAARC secretariat is located in Nepal. The secretariat is headed by the secretary-General appointed by the Council of Ministers. Its function include : Coordination , execution and monitoring of SAARC activities Servicing the SAARC meetings Works as communication link between the SAARC and other international forums

9. SAARC Areas of Cooperation Agriculture & Biotechnology Trade & Finance Education Information , Communication & Media Science & Technology Energy & Environment Tourism & Social Development Culture People-to-People Contacts

10. Failures' Of SAARC India tries to dominate the function and activities of SAARC Large variety of different political system Large variety regional and cultural differences They lack financial resources and advance technologies Involvement of external actors Internal problems constituting social economic and developmental and growth issues . Bilateral disputes and differences Food Security Reserve failed to meet the need of Bangladesh Suffers from an acute resource crunch

11. Thanks!