https://sputniknews.in/20240222/pakistans-brics-candidacy-shift-in-foreign-policy-focus-from-us-to-global-south-6628275.html
Pakistan's BRICS Candidacy: Shift in Foreign Policy Focus from US to Global South
Pakistan's BRICS Candidacy: Shift in Foreign Policy Focus from US to Global South
Sputnik India
In an epoch of geopolitical tensions, countries are thinking to build foreign alliances to address global challenges. In this regard, BRICS Plus is emerging as a significant international organization that offers an alternative for the Global South.
2024-02-22T17:58+0530
2024-02-22T17:58+0530
2024-02-22T17:58+0530
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pakistan
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Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, on Monday, during his visit to Moscow, met some of the Russian ministers and suggested that Pakistan consider joining BRICS plus, potentially with Russian support, given Russia's role as the Chair of BRICS in 2024.Historically speaking, during the Cold War era, Pakistan was a close ally of the US. Nevertheless, following the US invasion of Afghanistan after 9/11 and until the fall of the Taliban* regime, Pakistan suffered significant losses in terms of billions of dollars, valuable lives, structural devastation, security challenges, and an upsurge in terrorism due to its alliance with the West and the US. Consequently, Pakistan has been grappling with a myriad of socio-political, security, and economic challenges.Hence, now Pakistan is contemplating a shift towards greater alignment with the Global South after years of close partnership with the US.Navigating New Alliances for Economic StabilityFrom the West to the East, in a shift of global power, countries are increasingly engaging with emerging powers and organizations in the Global South.Nations that are part of BRICS Plus have been experiencing significant geopolitical and economic advantages by being members of this global group. Such economies as of India, South Africa, and Brazil are particularly appealing to other developing nations, drawing them towards joining BRICS based on principles of collectivity, mutual interests, and cooperation’s.In this regard, Sputnik interviewed Chairman of the Pakistani Senate's Defense Committee Mushahid Hussain Sayed.He further expressed that BRICS is not just a strategic alliance but also represents the "essence of the Global South."According to media report, this year, the inclusion of the Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE and Iran in this group marks a significant turning point for the global order and landscape. While Pakistan has been striving for BRICS Plus membership for two years, its previous attempts were blocked by India. In this new era where Iran and Gulf states, being enemy in past, are aligning with BRICS+ as members, it raises the question why Pakistan cannot also join. If India and China can come together and participate in the same forum, then there is potential for Pakistan to do the same.Pakistan's Defiance: Resisting Western PressuresAfter the fall of Kabul in 2021, Pakistan has been demonstrating a strong stance in resisting pressure and blackmail from the US and its allies. The country confronts challenges such as demands tied to IMF funds, FATA blacklisting, frozen funds and aid, and pressures to align as an ally.As a result, amid accusations and orders from the US regarding Afghan issues, Pakistan has faced coercion and blackmail to support positions on various International matters, including the situation in Ukraine. Pakistan's defiance showcases its determination to maintain sovereignty and make independent decisions despite external pressures, and wants to remain neutral.
https://sputniknews.in/20240220/pakistan-rushes-to-join-brics-says-it-embodies-global-south-6612253.html
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Pakistan's BRICS Candidacy: Shift in Foreign Policy Focus from US to Global South
In an epoch of geopolitical tensions, countries are thinking to build foreign alliances to address global challenges. In this regard, BRICS Plus is emerging as a significant international organization that offers an alternative for the Global South.
Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, on Monday, during his visit to Moscow, met some of the Russian ministers and suggested that Pakistan consider joining BRICS plus, potentially with Russian support, given Russia's role as the Chair of BRICS in 2024.
Historically speaking, during the Cold War era, Pakistan was a close ally of the US. Nevertheless, following the US invasion of Afghanistan after 9/11 and until the fall of the Taliban* regime, Pakistan suffered significant losses in terms of billions of dollars, valuable lives, structural devastation, security challenges, and an upsurge in terrorism due to its alliance with the West and the US. Consequently, Pakistan has been grappling with a myriad of socio-political, security, and economic challenges.
Hence, now Pakistan is contemplating a shift towards greater alignment with the Global South after years of close partnership with the US.
Navigating New Alliances for Economic Stability
From the West to the East, in a shift of global power, countries are increasingly engaging with emerging powers and organizations in the Global South.
Nations that are part of BRICS Plus have been experiencing significant geopolitical and economic advantages by being members of this global group. Such economies as of India, South Africa, and Brazil are particularly appealing to other developing nations, drawing them towards joining BRICS based on principles of collectivity, mutual interests, and cooperation’s.
In this regard, Sputnik interviewed Chairman of the Pakistani Senate's Defense Committee Mushahid Hussain Sayed.
"Pakistan is anticipating obtaining membership in BRICS Plus through collaboration with Russia within the intergovernmental geopolitical bloc, as Russia holds the chairmanship of BRICS in 2024," Senator told.
He further expressed that BRICS is not just a strategic alliance but also represents the "essence of the Global South."
According to
media report, this year, the inclusion of the Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE and Iran in this group marks a significant turning point for the global order and landscape. While Pakistan has been striving for BRICS Plus membership for two years, its previous attempts were blocked by India. In this new era where Iran and Gulf states, being enemy in past, are aligning with BRICS+ as members, it raises the question why Pakistan cannot also join. If India and China can come together and participate in the same forum, then there is potential for Pakistan to do the same.
"We are optimistic that Russia will carefully consider our application. Given our robust relationships with Russia and China, along with our membership in the SCO, we anticipate that our application could be expedited. Pakistan's inclusion in BRICS would undoubtedly strengthen the bloc," Senator Sayed told Sputnik.
Pakistan's Defiance: Resisting Western Pressures
After the fall of Kabul in 2021, Pakistan has been demonstrating a strong stance in resisting pressure and blackmail from the US and its allies. The country confronts
challenges such as demands tied to IMF funds, FATA blacklisting, frozen funds and aid, and pressures to align as an ally.
Former PM of Pakistan, Imran Khan, who is in jail today, boldly stated, "We are not your slaves" to the West, indicating a refusal to bow to external pressures.
As a result, amid accusations and orders from the US regarding Afghan issues, Pakistan has faced coercion and blackmail to support positions on various International matters, including the situation in Ukraine. Pakistan's defiance showcases its determination to maintain sovereignty and make independent decisions despite external pressures, and wants to remain neutral.
"They (West) discuss countering Russia in Europe due to the Ukraine situation, and they also discuss constraining China in Asia. Thus, the pressure exists — the pressure to back the West on Ukraine or to criticize China on certain human rights issues. However, we do not endorse this pressure because many Western countries hold double standards when addressing matters concerning Russia or China," Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed concluded.
