Pakistan has been seeking entry into BRICS since 2023, but its bid to join the grouping of emerging economies remains stalled. Islamabad's application came as BRICS was preparing for a major expansion, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates joining the bloc and turning it into BRICS+.
Pakistan is among 29 countries that have applied for membership. Its push to join the group has also been linked to its economic difficulties and the need to broaden access to financing and trade opportunities.
Pakistan seeks greater role in Global South
Pakistan's formal application was announced in November 2023. At the time, Foreign office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch described BRICS as an "important group of developing countries" and said Islamabad wanted to become part of the bloc.
"We believe that by joining BRICS, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalising inclusive multilateralism," she said.
"We also hope that BRICS will move forward on Pakistan's request in line with its commitment to inclusive multilateralism," she added.
Pakistan has pointed to its ties with existing BRICS members while seeking support for its application. Its ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, told Russian news agency TASS that Islamabad was contacting member countries to secure backing, with Russia among those it had approached.
Economic interests behind BRICS bid
Pakistan's economic position has been another factor behind its interest in the grouping. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey, the country's GDP growth rate stood at 3.70 per cent.
A Nikkei Asia report said Pakistan purchased a $580 million stake in the BRICS-backed New Development Bank. The move was aimed at widening its financing options and reducing dependence on institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
India's opposition keeps bid stalled
Pakistan's application came as BRICS' influence expanded across the Global South. The enlarged grouping now represents around 49 per cent of the world's population and about 40 per cent of global GDP on a purchasing power parity basis.
India's trade with BRICS members has also increased, with its exports to the grouping rising 48.8 per cent from USD 64.3 billion to USD 95.7 billion.
Despite support from Russia and China for Pakistan's bid, Islamabad's membership remains pending. BRICS follows consensus-based admission rules, meaning an applicant needs the approval of all existing members. India's opposition has therefore remained a major obstacle to Pakistan's entry.