In a surprising diplomatic move that could reshape regional dynamics, Pakistan has reportedly offered the United States access to a port on the Arabian Sea, located in the small coastal town of Pasni in Balochistan around 70 miles from the China-developed Gwadar port and 100 miles from the Pakistan-Iran border. The proposal, according to a report, is being pitched as a terminal to ship Pakistan’s growing supply of critical minerals, including copper and antimony.
The report said that the idea had been discussed informally with some American officials and was shared with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, ahead of his meeting with US President Donald Trump in the White House late last month. The newspaper quoted two civilian advisers to the army chief who said the concept was aimed at “maintaining momentum” with the Trump administration. However, a senior Trump official told the paper that “the president and his advisers had not discussed such a proposal.”
According to the report, the proposed port at Pasni would be connected by a new railway to transport minerals from Pakistan’s interior, especially from regions rich in copper and antimony materials vital for making batteries, missiles, and fire-retardants. The plan is estimated to cost $1.2 billion, with a financing model combining Pakistani federal funds and US-backed development finance.
However, Pakistan’s official channels have denied that any such offer was made. On Sunday, Arab News quoted a senior security official telling state-run Pakistan Television that “Pakistan has not offered the US access to any port at Pasni.” The official clarified that any discussions with private American companies were “exploratory, not official initiatives.”
He added, “There is no plan to hand over Pasni’s security to any foreign power. Linking these ideas directly to the Chief of Army Staff is misleading and inaccurate.” The source emphasized that while Pasni’s location makes it strategically important, “it is only an idea, not an initiative.”
Neither the US State Department, White House, Pakistan’s Army, nor Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry have officially commented on the report.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and the US have already begun cooperation in the mineral sector. In September, Missouri-based US Strategic Metals (USSM) signed an MoU with Pakistan’s military engineering arm to explore mineral resources. USSM’s commercial director Mike Hollomon confirmed that the company hopes to set up a refinery and had heard of a “possible port project near Pasni.” He noted that the town has a natural deep-water harbour and could be linked by rail to Reko Diq, a major copper and gold mine run by Barrick Mining.
Pakistan has already exported its first small consignment of minerals less than two tonnes to the US, including copper, neodymium, and antimony. The value of antimony has surged since China banned exports of the metal to the US late last year, giving Pakistan’s mineral trade new strategic importance.
This development also comes amid a renewed phase of US-Pakistan engagement, following tensions between Pakistan and India earlier this year. The FT noted that President Trump and General Munir have developed what diplomats are calling “a bromance,” after Trump claimed credit for mediating a ceasefire in May between the two nuclear neighbours a claim India has strongly denied.
If confirmed, the Pasni port plan could mark a new chapter in Pakistan’s foreign policy one that tries to balance its historic ties with China against a warming relationship with Washington.
