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Pakistan has officially requested to join BRICS, a prominent group of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign ministry, confirmed the country’s formal application, emphasizing BRICS as a key group of developing nations. “We believe that by joining BRICS, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalizing inclusive multilateralism,” Baloch stated during a press briefing in Islamabad.

This move towards BRICS participation highlights Pakistan’s intention to be part of a changing global order increasingly led by emerging economies. The decision was first revealed by Muhammad Khalid Jamali, Pakistan’s designated envoy to Russia, in an interview with Russian state-owned news agency TASS.

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BRICS is seen by many as a counterweight to a world order traditionally dominated by the United States and Western allies. The group’s influence was apparent during the last summit in South Africa, with over 40 countries expressing interest in joining. Pakistani Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee Chairperson Mushahid Hussain Sayed, who attended events alongside the BRICS summit, supported the government’s initiative. “The world is moving towards regionalism, and now countries are cooperating for connectivity with each other,” Sayed explained.

Despite the enthusiasm within certain circles, some analysts remain skeptical about the immediate benefits of joining BRICS for Pakistan. Muhammad Faisal, a foreign policy analyst, questioned the substantial gains, citing potential challenges, particularly the likely opposition from India, a founding BRICS member. He said, “The path forward for Pakistan now is quite challenging and a long one. It involves a significant degree of politics among the founding members on induction of new members.”