While admitting its failure to complete Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project on time, Pakistan yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to the visiting Iranian minister to complete the project in two phases.
“Pakistan has been unable to complete the projects on its side due to international sanctions on Iran,” said Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi here at the sidelines of the 19th session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC).
Mr Abbasi informed the visiting Iranian Minister for Economic Affairs and Finance, Dr. Ali Taieb Nia that despite Pakistan’s best efforts banks, international contractors and equipment suppliers were not ready to be involved in this project.
The minister was accompanied, among others, by the governor general of Sistan and the Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan.
“We are now planning to complete this project in two steps. First, we are installing LNG terminal at Gawadar Port and secondly, a 42-inch pipeline of 700km length will be laid from Gawadar to Nawabshah for onward transmission of gas to the northern parts of the country,” Mr Abbasi said.
The minister informed the visiting delegation that Pakistan is in talks with Chinese companies for construction of this pipeline and the 70km portion of the pipeline from Gawadar to Iran border will be completed by Pakistani companies.
Dr Ali Taieb Nia has said that Iran has already completed its part of the gas project and hoped Pakistan will fulfill its commitment to complete its part of the project.
He expressed his desire the Iranian gas should flow into Pakistan soon so that Pakistan may be able to overcome its energy shortfall.
