ˈIP Gas Pipeline Project, Lifeline For Pakistanˈs Economy' : Energy Expert

Islamabad, June 30, IRNA – A Pakistani energy expert Gulfaraz Ahmed, has termed Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project, a ˈlifeline for Pakistanˈs economy and its future, a media report said. ‘Business Recorder’ reported that Gulfaraz Ahmed, the Federal Secretary for Petroleum and Natural Resources (November 1996-December 1999), and Member of Nuclear Regulatory Board/Authority had represented Pakistan in Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline talks in 1998-99. Now an independent energy expert based in Islamabad, Gulfaraz strongly advocates - by employing both reasoning and passion - for the timely completion of the IP gas pipeline project, termed it a ˈlifeline for Pakistanˈs economy and its future.ˈ In an exclusive interview with the newspaper he said, ˈOne of the major causes of energy crisis in Pakistan is that about 35 percent of electricity is being produced by using furnace oil, an expensive resource. Natural gas is a far more optimal fuel for power generation, and it has been gross negligence on part of successive governments to continue importing furnace oil for power generation. “It is highly strategic for Pakistan to import natural gas as soon as possible, to not only cut down on the cost of power generation, but also supply this resource to industries, fertilizer manufacturers and for public relief in transport,” He said. ˈWe are fortunate that our neighbor is surplus with natural gas. ˈI was designated by the government to negotiate the deal with my Iranian counterpart, and after various rounds, we were hoping to finally agree on a pricing framework in the later months of 1999. But unfortunately, before the Iranian representativeˈs next visit, General Musharraf had taken over, and this whole process was interrupted. Let me say this that if the General hadnˈt intervened, the pipeline construction would have started in the ensuing months. This pipeline would have gone on to serve Pakistan for about 50 years,ˈ said Gulfaraz Ahmed. The expert appreciates the PPP-led government for holding its ground on the IP pipeline project. ˈNow it is up to the new government to chart a clear course of action with Iran, a neighbor with which Pakistan shares not only about 1,500 kilometers of border but also the common bonds of culture. The new government has inherited this lifeline project, and it should now implement the project rather expeditiously,” he said. ˈThe Pakistani state has entered into sovereign agreement with Iran, which stipulates construction of Pakistanˈs side of the pipeline by December end next year,” said the energy expert. Gulfaraz asserted that Pakistan will need multiple gas pipelines to meet its future energy needs, not just one. ˈBy 2019, Pakistan would need the second IP pipeline and by 2025, the third. Anticipating the growing need of Pakistanˈs gas market, Iran has built a 56 inches diameter pipeline to our border. The design of present IP Pakistan section is of 42 inches diameter, which would utilize only 56 percent of Iranianˈs sectionˈs capacity. Iran would not need to make additional investment for the second IP pipeline, but for the third IP Pakistan section, they would need to invest some money on adding more compression on the same Iranian section,ˈ he said./end