Public Outrage in Pakistan Over Denial of BRICS Membership

(BRICS refers to an association of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)

Islamabad (Pakistan) – Pakistanis have expressed anger after Pakistan’s application for BRICS membership, submitted by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, was rejected at the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia. Several countries, including Pakistan, had applied to join BRICS, but only 13 were chosen as BRICS partners, with seven of them being Islamic countries. Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan, is one of the selected countries. Reportedly, Turkey refrained from raising the Kashmir issue at the United Nations to improve its chances for BRICS membership. Although these partner countries will not be formal BRICS members, they will participate in the organization’s planning activities.

According to Russia, unanimous agreement is required for membership approval. Therefore, only countries that received unanimous consent were granted partnership status.

Pakistan’s weak economy does not meet BRICS criteria. The organization aims to bring together emerging economies, and Pakistan’s consistent use of large platforms to make statements against India led to strong opposition from India.

Editorial Perspective

Is Pakistan even deserving of BRICS membership ? Why should a country labeled as a ‘terrorist state’ and deserving of global isolation be granted membership among economically strong nations ?