What challenge does SAARC face in achieving its objectives?

Ongoing political differences among members

The correct answer is Option 1-  Ongoing political differences among members

Explanation: Persisting political differences have been a major obstacle to SAARC’s success in fostering cooperation among South Asian states.

Do the states of South Asia cooperate with each other? Or do they only keep fighting with each other? In spite of the many conflicts, the states of South Asia recognise the importance of cooperation and friendly relationship, among themselves. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a major regional initiative by the South Asian states to evolve cooperation through multilateral means. It began in 1985. Unfortunately, due to persisting political differences, SAARC has not had much success. SAARC members signed the South Asian Free Trade (SAFTA) agreement which promised the formation of a free trade zone for the whole of South Asia.