Unlocking the Gateway to BRICS: Pakistan’s Aspirational Quest for Permanent Membership
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 U...