NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s obstructionist approach to most of the SAARC initiatives has earned it the sobriquet of a “regional spoiler”. This is also reflected as Islamabad is yet to part with its share of the budget for the South Asian University, despite agreeing to it.
The idea of the South Asian University was mooted in 2005 at the 13th SAARC Summit in Dhaka and was endorsed by leaders of member countries. Pakistan is a member of the Governing Board of the varsity.
“Several letters have been written to Pakistan reminding of its pending dues towards the University budget. It is not that they are not aware; they are members of the governing board. In all they owe $8 million towards the budget,” sources in the varsity’s governing body said.
The capital cost of establishing the university, estimated to be roughly $300 million for the first phase, was to be completely borne by India. India is also providing a 100-acre plot in South Delhi for the university’s main campus. The running cost is to be shared by all SAARC member states.
“The pending due from Pakistan is roughly one year’s operational cost,” the sources said. The university is now being run from Akbar Bhawan, paying a rent of `2 crore per month.
Other projects suffering due to Pakistan’s obstinacy have been the regional satellite and a regional Motor Vehicle Agreement to provide free movement of goods in the region.