ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military leadership has proposed the development of a new deep-sea port in Pasni, Balochistan, as a strategic alternative to the Chinese-backed Gwadar Port, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The initiative, reportedly led by Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir, was presented to U.S. officials and investors during recent engagements ahead of a planned meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
The proposed port, with an estimated cost of around $1.2 billion, aims to connect Balochistan’s mineral-rich interior, home to reserves of copper, antimony and rare earth elements, through a new railway network. The project would give U.S. commercial and development interests direct access to these resources. Pasni lies about 70 miles east of Gwadar and 100 miles from the Iranian border, positioning it strategically along the Arabian Sea.
While the plan has not been adopted as official government policy, sources say it reflects Pakistan’s growing interest in diversifying its foreign partnerships beyond China. “This is a commercial concept under discussion, not a finalized plan,” a senior military official was quoted as saying by the Financial Times.
Supporters of the initiative believe the port could help Islamabad balance its relations with China, the United States, Iran and Saudi Arabia while facilitating access to critical minerals used in battery technology, fire-resistant materials, and defense manufacturing. Officials emphasize that the facility would serve as a commercial and logistical hub, not a U.S. military base.
The proposal, however, has raised concern among local Baloch communities, who have long criticized Islamabad and the military for exploiting regional resources without ensuring socio-economic development, employment, or infrastructure for residents.
The Pasni discussions form part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to revitalize ties with Washington through investment, trade, and security cooperation. The two sides have also explored collaboration against extremist groups in Afghanistan.
A U.S.-based firm, U.S. Strategic Metals (USSM), has already signed a memorandum of understanding with Pakistan’s military engineering institutions to pursue joint mining and refinery ventures, including potential logistics hubs near Pasni.
Analysts say the proposal underscores Islamabad’s attempt to offer Washington a strategic alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative projects in Gwadar, while simultaneously leveraging its untapped mineral wealth. But they warn that balancing U.S. engagement, Chinese sensitivities, and Baloch grievances will be crucial to avoiding further instability in the volatile region.
