Pakistan has formally applied to join BRICS, the major emerging economies group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Pakistan views BRICS as an important platform to advance international cooperation and inclusive multilateralism.
BRICS has witnessed growing prominence as a voice for developing countries, with 40 nations eager to join at the recent summit last August.
Six countries - Egypt, Ethiopia, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran - will become BRICS members in 2024.
Many in Pakistan welcome the membership bid, seeing benefits in terms of increased regional connectivity and cooperation.
However, analysts caution that Pakistan faces a long path to realize its BRICS aspirations, given the consensus required among existing members over inducting new entrants.
Pakistan remains hopeful of working constructively with all BRICS members during the membership process.
The country has warm ties with most nations in the grouping. As leading emerging economies come together, Pakistan sees a role for itself in this key forum shaping the developing world.