Rabbani Calls for Transparency on US Policy

Raza Rabbani, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former Senate chairman, has appealed to the federal government to promptly brief the parliament on all dimensions of its “new US policy.”

In a recent statement, Rabbani asserted that the public is entitled to know the specifics and path of the nation’s foreign policy. He emphasized that historical evidence suggests the US has not consistently been a dependable ally.

Referring to the agreement with US Strategic Metals (USSM), an American firm, for the acquisition of minerals, he voiced his concern that details of agreements concerning valuable minerals were surfacing in the media rather than being proactively disclosed by the government. He described this situation as regrettable.

The PPP leader further commented that the provinces, as key stakeholders, should have been consulted via the Council of Common Interests. He added that the government was neglecting the fact that, as per Article 172 of the Constitution, the provinces possess a 50% ownership stake in natural resources.

He highlighted that the provinces have already expressed their disapproval of the federal government’s proposed mineral law. He urged immediate parliamentary consultation on all facets of the evolving US policy.

In recent times, relations between Washington and Islamabad have seen improvement, particularly following intervention by the US President in the conflict between Pakistan and India, which facilitated a ceasefire.

Following this intervention, the current administration nominated the US President for the Nobel Peace Prize.

According to the memorandum of understanding established with Pakistan in September, USSM plans to invest approximately $500 million in the country’s vital minerals sector to develop processing and refinement facilities.

The initial phase of the collaboration will involve the export of minerals such as antimony, copper, gold, tungsten, and rare earth elements. Simultaneously, preparations will be underway to establish USSM’s specialized poly-metallic refinery within Pakistan. This facility will be geared to produce intermediate and finished goods to satisfy increasing demand within the US market.

USSM, headquartered in Missouri, specializes in the production and recycling of essential minerals recognized by the United States Department of Energy as crucial for various technologies relevant to advanced manufacturing and energy generation.

In a separate development, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has formalized a memorandum of understanding with the Mota-Engil Group to investigate potential enduring partnerships in engineering and construction. The international entity has indicated interest in supporting Pakistan’s infrastructure advancement objectives and broadening its footprint in West Asia through local employment opportunities, technology exchange, and sustainable methodologies.

Pakistan also secured a significant agreement with the US, successfully negotiating a reduction in reciprocal tariffs from 29% to 19%.