Pakistan is expected to become a full member of the BRICS bloc during its 18th or 19th annual summit in 2025 or 2026, according to diplomatic sources reported by Business Recorder.
Economic strategist Dr. Mehmoodul Hassan Khan, citing diplomatic sources, confirmed that Pakistan is poised to join BRICS in either of the upcoming annual meetings. He emphasized that Pakistan’s inclusion would open new opportunities to enhance economic partnerships, attract foreign direct investments (FDIs), diversify trade, and foster growth in industrialization, digitalization, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Pakistan formally applied for BRICS membership in 2023, aiming to strengthen economic ties with the bloc’s member states. BRICS currently includes 10 full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia, which officially joined in January 2025. Additionally, 11 countries hold observer or partner status, with Vietnam becoming a BRICS partner in June 2025.
The expanded “greater BRICS” format reflects the growing influence of the bloc, which now accounts for more than half of the world’s population, 20% of global trade, and nearly 30% of global GDP. Despite India’s previous opposition to Pakistan’s inclusion, support from China, Russia, and other BRICS members has enhanced Pakistan’s prospects.
According to the IMF, BRICS achieved a 4% GDP growth in 2024, outpacing the global average. The group now represents 31% of global land area and 46% of the world’s population. Its oil production and reserves account for approximately 40% of global energy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping recently emphasized multilateralism and international cooperation at the BRICS Virtual Summit, suggesting the bloc’s role in de-dollarization efforts and the creation of an alternative financial system.
If Pakistan joins, Dr. Khan stated, its inclusion would have significant socio-economic, geopolitical, and geostrategic implications. He also noted that Pakistan-US relations have been strengthening, with increased diplomatic ties and US investments in sectors such as metals, mining, renewables, education, and health.
Dr. Khan concluded that Pakistan’s BRICS membership would have minimal negative repercussions, citing the country’s emerging role as an important regional ally and the growing diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with the US.
