Pakistan stands on the brink of a historic shift in its international economic strategy, as momentum grows for its likely admission as a full member of the BRICS bloc during the group’s 18th or 19th annual summit, scheduled for either 2025 or 2026. According to diplomatic sources cited by Daily Times, support from China and Russia has been instrumental in propelling Pakistan’s candidacy, with several other BRICS members also voicing approval. The move is poised to reshape not only Pakistan’s economic fortunes but also the wider balance of global economic power.
BRICS—an acronym that once only referred to Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has rapidly evolved over the past decade. As of January 2025, the group has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, bringing its full membership to ten nations. In addition, eleven countries now hold observer or partner status, and Vietnam joined as a BRICS partner earlier this year. This expansion has transformed BRICS into a formidable economic coalition, representing more than half the world’s population, nearly 30% of global GDP, and 20% of total world trade, according to Daily Times.
Pakistan’s official application for BRICS membership, submitted in 2023, was driven by a desire to strengthen economic cooperation with the bloc’s member states. The country sees this as a chance to unlock new opportunities for foreign direct investment, trade diversification, industrialization, and even advancements in artificial intelligence. As the global economic landscape shifts, Pakistan’s leaders are betting that deeper ties with BRICS could catalyze significant growth and development across multiple sectors.
The timing could hardly be more fortuitous. In 2023, BRICS nations surpassed the G7 in their share of the global economy—a milestone that signals a profound power shift in the world order and underscores the growing influence of the Global South, according to reporting from Times of India. With the expanded "greater BRICS" now accounting for 31% of the world’s land area, 46% of its population, and approximately 40% of global oil production and reserves, the bloc’s collective economic and political clout is undeniable. Recent data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shows that BRICS achieved a GDP growth rate of 4% in 2024, outpacing the global average and reinforcing its status as an engine of global growth.
Yet, Pakistan’s journey toward full BRICS membership hasn’t been entirely smooth. India, a founding member of the bloc and Pakistan’s longtime regional rival, had previously expressed reservations about Islamabad’s inclusion. Despite this, China and Russia—both heavyweight BRICS members—have been vocal in their support. Several other states within the bloc have also thrown their weight behind Pakistan’s bid, reflecting a growing consensus that the group should embrace a more inclusive and cooperative approach. This shift is seen by many as a testament to BRICS’ evolving identity and its commitment to fostering broader regional stability and economic connectivity.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking during a recent BRICS Virtual Summit, emphasized the importance of multilateralism and deepening cooperation among member states. He highlighted ongoing efforts to create an alternative financial system that would reduce dependence on the US dollar—a process often referred to as de-dollarization. President Xi’s remarks underscore a broader strategic ambition within BRICS: to build a more resilient and autonomous global financial architecture, one less vulnerable to external shocks and geopolitical tensions.
For Pakistan, the potential benefits of joining BRICS are substantial. Economic strategist Dr. Mehmoodul Hassan Khan, speaking to Daily Times, argued that Pakistan’s inclusion would bring “significant socio-economic, geopolitical, and geostrategic benefits.” He pointed to the prospect of expanded economic partnerships, increased foreign investment, and access to new markets as key drivers of potential growth. Dr. Khan also noted that Pakistan’s emerging regional role and proactive diplomatic efforts have positioned it as a valuable partner for both BRICS members and Western nations.
Interestingly, Dr. Khan believes that Pakistan’s entry into BRICS would have minimal negative effects. He explained that, “Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS would bring significant socio-economic, geopolitical, and geostrategic benefits,” and added that the country’s proactive diplomacy is helping it balance relationships with both the bloc and its Western partners. This balancing act is particularly notable given the recent improvement in Pakistan-US relations. As of 2025, American investments in Pakistan have grown across sectors such as mining, renewables, education, health, and metals. This uptick in cross-border investment signals a pragmatic approach by Islamabad, seeking to maximize opportunities on all fronts without alienating any major partners.
The strategic implications of Pakistan’s potential BRICS membership extend far beyond economics. The expanded bloc is increasingly seen as a counterweight to traditional Western-led alliances, offering a platform for the Global South to assert its interests and shape the rules of the international system. The fact that BRICS now outpaces the G7 in its share of the global economy only adds to its allure as a forum for emerging powers seeking a greater voice on the world stage. As Times of India notes, this development marks a “major power shift in the world order.”
Pakistan’s inclusion would also further diversify the bloc, bringing in a country with a unique geopolitical position at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Its proximity to key trade routes and energy corridors, combined with its large and youthful population, make it an attractive partner for BRICS’ ambitions of fostering regional integration and economic development. Moreover, as the world grapples with challenges ranging from climate change to technological disruption, Pakistan’s expertise in areas like agriculture, textiles, and emerging tech could contribute meaningfully to the bloc’s collective capabilities.
Of course, the road ahead is not without obstacles. The lingering tensions between India and Pakistan remain a potential flashpoint, and questions persist about how the group will manage internal differences while pursuing its ambitious agenda. Still, the prevailing mood among BRICS leaders appears to be one of cautious optimism. The bloc’s recent expansion, its overtaking of the G7, and its focus on alternative financial systems all point to a willingness to adapt and evolve in response to changing global dynamics.
As the 18th and 19th BRICS summits approach, all eyes will be on whether Pakistan’s bid is formally accepted. If successful, it will mark not only a new chapter in Pakistan’s economic history but also a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the global order. The stakes are high, but so too are the opportunities—for Pakistan, for BRICS, and for the wider community of nations seeking to chart a new course in an increasingly multipolar world.
With the balance of power shifting and new alliances forming, Pakistan’s potential entry into BRICS could be a defining moment—one that reshapes the economic and political landscape for years to come.
