Islamabad, – Pakistan has officially embarked on a strategic bid to join the BRICS economic bloc, underscoring its ambitious drive to align with the world’s emerging economic powerhouses and solidify its position as a pivotal player in the Global South.
The announcement came from Mr. Mushahid Hussain Sayed, a prominent figure and former senator, who heads both the Pakistan-China Institute and the Pakistan-Africa Institute for Development & Research. Speaking at the International BRICS Forum held in Vladivostok, Russia and organized by Russia’s ruling ‘United Russia’ Party, Mr. Sayed emphasized Pakistan’s keen interest in contributing to and benefiting from BRICS’ expanding influence on the global stage.
BRICS, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has seen recent expansion with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, forming what is now known as BRICS Plus. This expansion reflects the bloc’s growing stature as a representative body of the Global South, now comprising nearly half of the world’s population and accounting for 30% of global GDP. Notably, 50% of the world’s oil and gas producers are among its members.
Mr. Sayed outlined three key areas where an enlarged BRICS could reshape global dynamics:
Democratisation of International Relations: Advocating for a shift towards more egalitarian and rule-based interactions among nations, moving away from traditional hierarchical power structures.
Demilitarisation of International Relations: Critiquing what he described as a Western-led order mired in Cold War rhetoric and militaristic policies, such as the formation of alliances like QUAD and AUKUS aimed at containing China and Russia.
Dedollarisation of the International Financial System: Highlighting the trend towards reducing reliance on the US dollar in global trade and finance, with examples like Saudi Arabia diversifying its currency usage in oil transactions.
Mr. Sayed posited that these developments could curtail US economic hegemony and foster a more multipolar world order, suggesting that established post-World War II global structures are evolving.
The move to seek BRICS membership aligns with Pakistan’s broader geopolitical strategy to enhance its influence and economic ties globally. It signifies a calculated effort to participate in shaping a more balanced and diversified international order, leveraging alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Mr. Sayed also welcomed recent proposals by President Putin of Russia and President Xi Jinping of China for new security paradigms emphasizing collective security and non-aggression, which could potentially redefine global security dynamics.
Pakistan’s application to join BRICS signals a pivotal moment in its diplomatic and economic trajectory, reflecting its aspiration to play a pivotal role in the evolving global landscape. As discussions within BRICS continue to evolve, Pakistan’s bid stands poised to further enhance its standing and influence among the emerging economies of the world.