Imran Khurshid
China has consistently supported Pakistan - diplomatically, economically, and militarily - even during Islamabad's periods of isolation. Yet, despite this "iron brotherhood", Pakistan's recent moves show that loyalty in Islamabad is negotiable.
Pakistan's reported proposal to grant the United States a development and management role at Pasni Port, as revealed by the Financial Times, marks one of the most consequential geopolitical developments in recent years. Situated along the Arabian Sea, just 70 miles from China-operated Gwadar Port, 100 miles from Iran, and approximately 178 miles from India's Chabahar Port, Pasni's geostrategic position places it at the intersection of major regional rivalries involving China, India, Iran, the United States, and other key actors such as Saudi Arabia and Gulf investors. The port's location also has implications for Afghanistan, Central Asia, and broader maritime security in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
The development follows the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, and US President Donald Trump on September 25, 2025, signaling a potential new phase in US-Pakistan geostrategic engagement. The proposal, which had already been floated and discussed with US officials prior to the meeting, is part of Islamabad's broader attempt to diversify its foreign partnerships, move beyond exclusive dependence on Beijing, and attract US, Iranian, and Saudi investments amid its deepening economic challenges. While the plan is significant, it remains exploratory, with no formal agreement yet confirmed by either Pakistan or the US. However, if this proposal were to materialise, it would constitute a geopolitical earthquake, reshaping power dynamics in this region and carrying implications beyond it.
The New Strategic Pivot
The blueprint envisions transforming Pasni - currently a modest fishing town - into a strategic logistics and mineral export hub. The project will link the port to Balochistan's vast mineral reserves, including the Reko Diq copper and gold mines, through a new railway network. Estimated to cost $1.2 billion, the project is expected to be financed through a combination of Pakistani federal funds and US-backed development finance.
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