Pakistan has officially submitted its application for membership in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) grouping, marking a significant move amid the bloc's largest expansion plans in 2024 under Moscow's rotating Presidency, as reported by PTI.
The confirmation came during a press briefing by Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, who stated, "Yes, I can confirm that Pakistan has made a formal request to join BRICS, which we believe is an important grouping of developing countries." The application aligns with Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism, as the nation has played a vital role in various international organizations supporting global peace and development.
Baloch emphasized Pakistan's amicable relations with most BRICS members and the newly admitted countries, including Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who will formally join during the 2024 summit in Russia. "By joining BRICS, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalizing inclusive multilateralism," she stated, expressing hope for a positive response from the bloc.
Pakistan's envoy to Moscow, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, confirmed the application and expressed the country's intention to join BRICS under Russia's presidency in 2024. "Pakistan would like to be part of this important organization, and we are in the process of contacting member countries for extending support to Pakistan’s membership," Jamali remarked, acknowledging the importance of securing backing, particularly from the Russian Federation.
In October, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov announced BRICS' plans to finalize a list of candidates for partner-state status ahead of the upcoming summit in Kazan in 2024. While Pakistan may anticipate support from its close ally China, the reaction from the other four BRICS members—Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa—remains uncertain, especially given Pakistan's current economic and political challenges.
