Overview
- The Financial Times reported that advisers linked to Army chief Asim Munir privately pitched a civilian terminal at Pasni to give U.S. investors access to critical minerals.
- Pakistani security officials state there has been no formal communication with Washington and that Pakistan would keep sole control over Pasni’s security.
- A senior administration official says the proposal has not reached President Trump or his senior advisers for any discussion.
- The blueprint reportedly rules out U.S. basing and envisions a rail link to mineral deposits, with costs of up to $1.2 billion financed by Pakistani and U.S.-backed development funds.
- Early commercial activity includes an MoU with US Strategic Metals and a small trial shipment of minerals, even as analysts question viability given Gwadar’s limited payoff.