Unlocking the Gateway to BRICS: Pakistan’s Aspirational Quest for Permanent Membership
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Pakistan’s recent overtures to the BRICS bloc signal a strategic shift and a potential new avenue for the country’s foreign policy. The move can be seen as a preliminary step to garner support for its membership bid, which, if successful, could offer numerous benefits to the nation.
Experts believe that joining BRICS would enable Pakistan to strengthen its ties with the existing members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This would provide an opportunity to exert greater influence or present its case more assertively to Western nations, particularly when navigating geopolitical complexities.
At the heart of Islamabad’s motivation lies a desire to compete with regional rivals and secure much-needed financial support. The country’s struggling economy could benefit from loans and investments, potentially revitalizing key sectors and fostering sustainable growth.
The expansion of BRICS in 2023, with the inclusion of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, set a precedent for the bloc’s evolving nature. This evolution continues in 2024, with 13 additional countries expected to be admitted, either as associates or “partner countries.”
Over time, the BRICS nations have increasingly focused on fostering closer trade relations and financial collaboration with new members. This shift in emphasis has been led by the original members, who recognize the potential benefits of a more diverse and robust economic alliance.
As an organization, BRICS holds significant economic clout, with the combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the original five members accounting for 31.5% of global GDP in 2023, surpassing the G7 nations. This economic might is coupled with a unified front to address regional issues and tackle financial challenges, including World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) reforms.
Pakistan has been actively lobbying for support, particularly from China and Russia, two pivotal members of the bloc. During a recent visit by the Speaker of the Russian Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko, President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s interest in joining BRICS, underscoring the potential benefits for enhanced regional and global cooperation.
In November 2023, Pakistan formally applied for BRICS membership, citing its potential contribution to advancing international cooperation and inclusive multilateralism. This application marks a significant step in Pakistan’s pursuit of a more diverse and robust foreign policy strategy.
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