Pakistan has strongly denied recent claims published by the Financial Times suggesting that the country offered the United States access to a strategic port on its southern coast. The report claimed that the coastal city of Pasni could serve as a terminal for American interests in the Arabian Sea.
According to the Financial Times, unnamed advisors had floated the idea of a U.S.-operated port during informal talks aimed at boosting economic ties, following a recent improvement in relations between Islamabad and Washington.
However, Pakistani foreign policy experts have rejected the report as speculative and misleading.
Syed Muhammad Ali Rejects FT Report
Foreign affairs analyst Syed Muhammad Ali criticized the Financial Times article, calling it “highly inaccurate, unserious, and careless.”
“Attributing such a major claim to Pakistan’s top leadership without evidence is a regrettable violation of journalistic ethics. Its timing and nuance are very unfortunate,” he said.
He added that international companies often explore investment opportunities — including in oil, gas, and mineral sectors — but that this does not equate to offering strategic facilities to any country.
No Official Discussions Took Place
“I am aware that neither at the government, diplomatic, nor any leadership level was this issue raised — not even during the recent U.S. tour,” Ali stated.
He explained that even if rare earth minerals are found, assessing their commercial viability takes years. “Any concession agreements would be made only after extensive evaluation,” he added.
Ali further dismissed the link between mineral exploration and geopolitical tensions involving China or Afghanistan. “Such reporting is speculative and risks misrepresenting Pakistan’s foreign policy posture.”
Private Ideas, Not Official Policy
A source told Balochistan Pulse that the concept of using Pasni as a terminal was discussed informally in private, non-governmental settings.
“There is no formal proposal under review by the state. These private discussions should not be misconstrued as government or military policy,” the source clarified.
The source further emphasized that private-sector exploration or interest in coastal development does not imply that strategic access is being granted to any foreign nation.
