[Traditional constructions of security, based on pure geo-political conception of threat, have dominated the South Asia region. The nature of conflicts and threats, however, is transforming and voices for peace and cooperation have emerged, primarily from non-state organizations. It is time to develop new, and strengthen already present, stake-holdings such as business and trade, preventive diplomacy and interactions among civil societies for long-term and sustainable peace in the region.]
The SAFTA agreement was signed on 6 January 2004 during the Twelfth SAARC Summit in Islamabad. The Agreement entered into force on 1 January 2006.