Former Senate chairperson Raza Rabbani called on Monday for the federal government to immediately brief parliament on its “new US policy.” He raised concerns about recent media reports on the sale of rare minerals to a US company and a possible plan to offer Pasni port to Washington. Rabbani stressed that the government has not shared these key developments with the people or parliament.
He criticized the government for keeping provinces in the dark, especially since Article 172 of the Constitution grants provinces joint ownership of mineral resources. He said the provinces are “real stakeholders” and should be consulted through the Council of Common Interests. Rabbani also recalled that the provinces had previously rejected the federal government’s proposed minerals law.
Read more:Pakistan Sends First Rare Earth Shipment to US
Rabbani warned that offering Pasni port to the US could harm Pakistan’s regional relations. He described this news as “alarming” and urged the government to clarify its stance. He emphasized the importance of transparency to avoid misunderstandings and protect the country’s interests.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and US company US Strategic Metals signed a $500 million memorandum to develop rare earth mineral processing facilities. The first shipment of mineral samples recently left for the US. However, opposition parties, including PTI, have criticized the deals as secretive and potentially harmful to national interests.
Read more: Pakistan, US Move Ahead with Rare Earth Deal amid PTI’s ‘Secret Pact’ Outcry
PTI demanded full disclosure of all agreements with the US, warning that such deals could worsen the country’s instability. Military sources, however, dismissed reports about Pasni port as “commercial ideas” rather than official policy. Still, the call for parliamentary oversight and transparency continues to grow louder.