Advisers to Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir have floated a plan for the United States to help develop a new port at Pasni on the Arabian Sea, in a move that could expand American influence in a region dominated by China.
The proposal, seen by the Financial Times, would cost up to $1.2 billion and link the fishing town to Pakistan’s interior by rail for transport of critical minerals such as copper and antimony. Advocates argue the site, 70 miles from China’s Gwadar port and 100 miles from Iran, could counterbalance Beijing’s foothold while boosting U.S. trade and security options.
The plan, not official policy, was circulated ahead of Munir’s recent White House meeting with Donald Trump, though U.S. officials say it was not formally discussed. Pakistan has already shipped rare earth minerals to a U.S. firm, as Islamabad seeks to reset ties with Washington through economic cooperation after years of tension.