Pakistan, Iran to continue on gas pipeline project
– File Photo
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran agreed to continue efforts on the finalisation of the agreement on the gas pipeline project despite US opposition, DawnNews reported.
The official agreement is expected to be signed on Thursday at the Developing-Eight Summit being held in Islamabad.
Leaders from D-8 countries gathered in Islamabad to consider plans aimed at finding methods of ensuring “sustainable prosperity for their peoples”.
According to the agreement, Iran would provide Pakistan with funds amounting to Rs 24.25 billion in order to lay a 785-kilometre pipeline from the Pakistan-Iran border to Nawabshah in Sindh province.
Pakistan required the funds in order to lay the pipeline but remained unsuccessful in obtaining funding from any country or international donor agencies due to the international sanctions imposed on Iran. The United States also increased pressure on Pakistan against purchase of gas from Iran.
This pipeline would never be completed. The problem doesn’t lie with US pressure or cost of pipeline, it is the question of cost of gas that would be delivered through it. You think Indians dropped out because of US pressure? Wrong. They are buying oil from Iran even when US is twisting their arms not to do so. The gas Iran is offering is so costly, India better buy it from Oman or Qatar through ships. The same reason, although Pakistan is willing to join the project it will soon find out the financial infeasibility of it.
Just like the U.S. does what is in its interest, so should Pakistan
Pakistani and Iranian people should provide the fund for this important project.By issuing bonds or shares.it is a good profitabale project.
Pipe dream ?!!
this project must be completed at all costs, it will not only improve our energy crisis but will also be a symbol of Pakistan’s sovereignty
The Iran-Pakistan gas-pipe line is the existential need for Pakistan and here Iran is doing everything possible including the financing the laying down the pipe-line on Pakistan’s territory. One should know that Iran has already practically laid down this pipe-line on its territory. Hence, the onus is on Pakistan to stand up for its obligations.
Good.