My take | South Asia needs to get its political house in order to turn its economy around

South Asia is on the brink of a severe recession unless its leaders act decisively to stabilize the region’s economies as it faces relentless global headwinds and the US president-elect. Donald Trumphis protectionist trade measures.

One of the poorest regions in the world, South Asia has experienced numerous incidents of political violence, which have hindered its development and economic growth.

Pakistan recently launched airstrikes on Afghanistan, ostensibly to thwart the militants, even as doubts persist about the political legitimacy of the country’s elected government. Supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan clashed with police to demand his release.

The situation is also grim Bangladeshwhere the caretaker government has been struggling to restore law and order with a depleted police force since a mass student-led uprising in August ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Economically, Sri Lanka it was on the verge of collapse in 2022 and is still on a knife’s edge with its massive debts, even as its political situation improves after President Aruna Kumara Dissanayake took office in September.