JOHANNESBURG, South Africa: Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed was extended an invitation to attend BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) seminar in Johannesburg. Pakistan’s participation was encouraged by Chinese President Xi Jinping who aspires to integrate Pakistan into the group. The bloc has five developing countries, representing 41 percent of the global population, and 24 percent of the global GDP.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed wrote from Johannesburg: “Addressed BRICS Seminar in Johannesburg, just before BRICS Summit tomorrow, the first Pakistani to be invited at BRICS event, which is a growing body that now has 20 countries in the queue for membership”
He further wrote: “[Pakistan has] welcomed BRICS expansion [and] urged BRICS to reject any New Cold War! Afro-Asian solidarity plus Brazil & Russia can play [a] key role in new emerging global order, based on multilateralism & regional connectivity.”
India’s opposed Pakistan in joining the bloc but with recent developments it is believed this opposition is diminishing.
Senator Mushahid tweeted: “For starters, Pakistan should apply for membership in BRICS, where the lead role is of China (if Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Egypt & UAE are keen to join, why not Pakistan?)
“Then in East Asia, there’s Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), again China is in the lead there, but Pakistan isn’t ‘Looking East’! Why? Somewhat inexplicable, not seizing opportunities when these arise,” he added.
China’s suggestion for expanding BRICS with membership for more developing nations is a rationale for Pakistan’s inclusion. Besides Pakistan, other countries including Turkey and Saudi Arabia have expressed their interest in joining.
BRICS leaders on the alliance’s expansion, as per the draft final document of the summit, Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates have been included as new BRICS members.
