Islamabad says new government will complete Iran-Pakistan pipeline project
By Sara Rajabova
Pakistan's charge d'affaires in Iran Soheil Seddiqi has reaffirmed the decision of the new Pakistani government to complete the joint multi-billion-dollar pipeline project between Tehran and Islamabad, Press TV reported.
He noted that the new government of Pakistan is determined to complete the gas pipeline from Iran.
He also added that the implementation of the gas pipeline project is related to Pakistan's national interests and Islamabad is committed to its national interests, regardless of the government which runs the country.
On July 30, Mamnoon Hussain, backed by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N party, was elected as Pakistan's 12th president.
Seddiqi pointed to Pakistan's acute energy needs and noted that Islamabad will complete the Iran-Pakistan (IP) pipeline despite external pressures and sanctions.
The IP gas pipeline is projected to come on stream in 2014. The pipeline, projected to cost $1.2-1.5 billion, will enable the export of 21.5 million cubic meters per day of Iranian natural gas to Pakistan.
Iran has already constructed more than 900 kilometers of the pipeline on its soil.
The 2,700-kilometer-long pipeline will begin from Iran's Assalouyeh Energy Zone in the south and stretch over 1,100 kilometers through Iran. The joint multi-billion-dollar pipeline is designed to help Pakistan overcome its growing energy needs at a time when the country of over 180 million people is grappling with serious energy shortages.
The United States has threatened Pakistan with sanctions if Islamabad implements the deal with Iran. However, Pakistan has, on several occasions, stressed that it will pursue the gas pipeline project.
The current trade volume between Iran and Pakistan stands at $1 billion. Pakistani officials have called for an immediate increase of the trade volume between the two countries.