Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline, Key Project For Pakistan

Islamabad, Feb 2, IRNA -- The Iran-Pakistan gas pipe line project, is the most essential project for Pakistan with no apparent alternatives in the foreseeable future, said an article published in Pakistan Observer on Thursday. It said that the energy crises in Pakistan has aggravated to the extent which has seriously affected the economy and growth besides paralyzing the routine life. The global energy resources have constantly been depleting. It said that the recent trilateral Islamabad summit of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan has sent a clear signal to US that Pakistan will pursue the project which is in its national interest. It added that in the prevailing scenario this energy rich region has become the focus of attention of global players. The article said that the proposed pipeline serves the best interests of both Iran and Pakistan. Technically there seems to be no hitch in the project. While Iran has already started construction work at Pars field, Pakistan is ready for contracting procedure. It said that a consortium was also under discussion among BHP (Australia), NIGC (Malaysia), Total (France), Shell (Netherlands), BP (UK) in addition to Iranian, Pakistani and Indian national gas companies. Russian Gazprom has expressed interest and last month Russian Prime Minister Mr. Fradkov visited Pakistan and signed a number of cooperation agreements. A high level Economic Cooperation Committee (ECC) officially endorsed the formula and plans for the construction of Pakistani segment showing a commitment on the Pakistani side to go ahead with the pipeline./end