SAARC summit in Pak likely to be called off following demur

New Delhi: After few countries including India refusing to attend the 19^th South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Pakistan, the biennial event is likely to be called off.

According to official sources, Nepal – where the meet was held last– seeks another venue for the summit in November after it has been boycotted by member countries because of Pakistan being its venue.

“There is no question of holding the summit in Islamabad when it is being opposed by as many as four members of the organisation,” said a diplomatic source.

As the Chair of SAARC, Nepal has been asked to choose another venue for the meet. It may be mentioned that SAARC functions on the principle of agreement which means if any member pulls out of the summit, it gets cancelled. Apart from India, the countries which have decided to boycott the summit include Afghanistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

Also Read: PM Narendra Modi refuses to attend SAARC meet in Pakistan