What is the purpose of SAARC?

To promote the welfare of the people of South Asia
To improve the environment of security in the region
To accelerate economic growth and cultural development
All of the above

The correct answer is D. All of the above.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an intergovernmental organization of eight countries in South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It was established on 8 December 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The main objectives of SAARC are to promote the welfare of the people of South Asia, to improve the environment of security in the region, to accelerate economic growth and cultural development, and to promote active cooperation in the social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields.

SAARC has been successful in promoting economic cooperation among its member states. The SAARC Preferential Trading Agreement (SAPTA) was established in 1995 to promote trade among member states. The SAARC Free Trade Area (SAFTA) was established in 2006 to further promote trade among member states. SAARC has also been successful in promoting cultural cooperation among its member states. The SAARC Cultural Center was established in 1993 to promote cultural exchange among member states. The SAARC Film Festival is held every two years to promote film exchange among member states.

SAARC has also been successful in promoting social cooperation among its member states. The SAARC Social Charter was adopted in 1993 to promote social development in the region. The SAARC Development Fund was established in 1997 to finance social development projects in the region.

SAARC has been less successful in promoting security cooperation among its member states. The SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism was adopted in 1987, but it has not been effective in preventing terrorism in the region. The SAARC Peacekeeping Force was established in 1995, but it has not been deployed to any conflict in the region.

Overall, SAARC has been successful in promoting economic, cultural, and social cooperation among its member states. However, it has been less successful in promoting security cooperation.