Pakistan is making a concerted push to join the BRICS grouping, signaling a new chapter in its foreign and economic policy as it seeks to broaden its network of regional and global partnerships. In a series of high-profile interviews on December 16, 2025, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb laid out the country’s ambitions, highlighting not just the desire for BRICS membership, but also a comprehensive strategy to stabilize the economy, attract investment, and foster innovation through technology and regional connectivity.
Speaking with Russia’s RIA Novosti and Azerbaijan’s Report Information Agency, Aurangzeb explained that Pakistan, already an active member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), is well-positioned to play a constructive role within the BRICS framework. According to RIA Novosti, he emphasized, “Pakistan could play a constructive role within the bloc as it expands engagement with regional and global partners.”
The finance minister’s remarks come at a time when global economic uncertainties are prompting countries to rethink traditional alliances and payment mechanisms. Aurangzeb acknowledged the ongoing discussions about alternative cross-border payment systems as part of BRICS’ evolving agenda. He stated, “Pakistan would explore such mechanisms as its engagement with BRICS evolves,” reflecting a willingness to adapt to new financial realities and reduce reliance on traditional Western-dominated systems.
Underlying this diplomatic outreach is a clear focus on macroeconomic stability. Aurangzeb told both news agencies that ensuring investor confidence remains the government’s foremost priority. “Investor confidence is directly linked to currency stability, repatriation of profits and overall economic certainty,” he noted. In practical terms, this means shoring up foreign exchange reserves—a metric closely watched by international investors. Aurangzeb reported that Pakistan’s reserves are steadily improving and are now approaching coverage of nearly three months of imports, a threshold widely regarded as a sign of economic health. He described this as “essential elementary hygiene for investor assurance.”
To further mitigate country risk and attract foreign capital, the government is considering the use of sovereign guarantees and export credit agency support on a project-by-project basis. Such measures, Aurangzeb explained, would provide additional security for investors, especially in large-scale infrastructure and industrial ventures.
Pakistan’s economic transformation is not limited to traditional sectors. The finance minister highlighted the country’s growing interest in digital assets and fintech. With a significant number of Pakistani citizens already active in cryptocurrency markets, the State Bank of Pakistan is now evaluating the potential for digital currencies. Aurangzeb outlined the government’s intention to bring this burgeoning sector into a regulated framework, supported by the creation of a virtual assets regulatory authority. “Our objective is to bring this sector into a regulated framework, while carefully assessing risks related to capital flows, compliance, and anti-money-laundering standards,” he said, according to REPORT.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another area where Pakistan is eager to leap forward. Aurangzeb described AI as “transformative for Pakistan’s economy, particularly in agriculture, finance, healthcare and digital infrastructure.” He pointed out that Pakistan’s large freelancer base stands to benefit significantly from the adoption of AI, enabling greater productivity and higher incomes. The minister also expressed a keen interest in learning from Russia’s experience with AI, especially in public finance and budgeting processes. However, he was quick to note that “the continued importance of human oversight in policymaking and decision-making” remains paramount.
Regional connectivity has emerged as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic vision. Aurangzeb underscored the importance of developing robust trade corridors, such as the International North-South Transport Corridor, to support resilient trade flows amid global economic uncertainties. These corridors, he argued, are vital for linking Pakistan with Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and beyond, thereby reducing dependence on any single trade partner and opening new markets for Pakistani goods and services.
Energy, oil and gas, minerals, mining, and industrial cooperation—potentially including the establishment of a new steel plant—are among the key areas of collaboration being discussed with Russia. Talks at the ministerial level are ongoing, and both sides appear eager to translate political goodwill into tangible economic projects. “Discussions are ongoing at the ministerial level,” Aurangzeb confirmed, signaling momentum in bilateral ties.
The finance minister also devoted significant attention to Pakistan’s relationship with Azerbaijan. He described the long-standing government-to-government ties as now producing “tangible economic outcomes,” with trade and investment flows gaining increasing importance. Azerbaijan has publicly indicated an appetite to invest close to $2 billion in Pakistan, focusing on sectors such as energy, oil and gas, and minerals and mining. A potential oil pipeline investment by SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state oil company, is one of several projects currently under discussion.
Aurangzeb was careful to distinguish these investments from traditional aid. He stressed that any financial support or lending arrangements from Azerbaijan would be “structured to facilitate trade and investment rather than aid,” with a preference for sustainable financing models linked to productive economic activity. Mechanisms could include placements with the central bank or project-linked financing, designed to support Azerbaijani investors entering the Pakistani market.
Looking ahead, the minister highlighted the growing importance of South-South cooperation, especially as the global trading system faces increasing stress. He observed that current bilateral trade volumes between Pakistan and Azerbaijan do not reflect the true potential of the two economies, and that new trade and transport corridors could unlock significant growth. Developing financial instruments—such as guarantees, export credit mechanisms, banking linkages, and Islamic finance tools—will be critical to supporting this ambitious agenda.
Opportunities for cooperation also extend into digital services, fintech, and cybersecurity, with both Pakistan and Azerbaijan showing interest in leveraging their respective strengths to build a more resilient and diversified economic partnership.
As Pakistan pursues its BRICS ambitions, the government appears determined to present the country as a stable, forward-looking, and attractive destination for investment. The emphasis on regulation, innovation, and regional connectivity reflects a broader shift in policy—one that aims to position Pakistan not just as a recipient of investment, but as a proactive player in shaping the future of regional and global trade.
With strategic economic reforms, a clear-eyed view of global trends, and a willingness to embrace new technologies, Pakistan is betting that its next chapter on the international stage will be defined by growth, stability, and deeper integration with its neighbors and partners.
