No formal correspondence with the United States regarding the Pasni port: security official

There has been no formal engagement with the United States regarding the idea, according to a senior Pakistani official, who has denied allegations that Islamabad offered the US access to a new port at Pasni.

This week, the Financial Times revealed that private talks had looked into transforming the Arabian Sea coastal town of Pasni into a port that would connect Pakistan’s mineral resources to international markets. Pasni is very appealing in regional geopolitics due to its close proximity to important strategic hubs, which include China-backed Gwadar 70 miles away and Iran just 100 miles away.

Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, a top security and intelligence officer, however, rejected claims that the concept reflects official military or government policy.

According to the source, “no foreign power has any plans to take over Pasni’s security.” “Talks with private businesses were exploratory rather than formal endeavours.”

The representative continued by outlining Pakistan’s military leadership’s involvement in the issue and emphasising that Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir shouldn’t be directly linked to such ideas.

He clarified, “The Chief of Army Staff does not have advisers in any official capacity.” “It is inaccurate and misleading to directly associate these ideas with him.”

The comments follow rumours that Pakistan may be wooing Washington with fresh chances for investment in the energy and mineral industries. The plan’s proponents had positioned Pasni as a means for the US to counterbalance China’s influence in Gwadar and establish a foothold in the area.

However, officials now maintain that although proposals may have been suggested by private and commercial groups, none have been submitted through official channels or strategically assessed.

Because of its naturally deep waters, Pasni, a small fishing town of around 70,000 residents, has long been seen as a location with potential for port expansion. However, the government emphasises that for the time being, the idea is still just that—a concept.

The security officer came to the conclusion that while Pasni’s location may make it important in world geopolitics, it is still only an idea and not an initiative at this point.

In addition to avoiding rumours that its military is negotiating covert deals behind closed doors, the clarification emphasises Pakistan’s delicate balancing act as it manages relations with both Beijing and Washington.