Stepping Stones For Regional Connectivity
The idea of development in isolation has become obsolete because the world has realised that comprehensive development is possible only when regions develop together. Globalisation has completely revamped the global structures and the world order. Even the countries that had long believed in and practiced isolationism and reached heights of glory through these policies, now stand ready to open up to the rest of the world and consider globalisation and mutual development imperative for national development.
Central and South Asian countries, particularly Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran, have been quite unfortunate in this regard over the past two decades. They have faced stunted economic growth due to regional unrest and domestic issues. Though individual nations have made some progress, nothing great has been achieved by the region as a whole.
