Pakistan and Iran Forge Path Forward for Gas Pipeline Project
Pakistan and Iran are actively seeking solutions to propel forward their bilateral gas pipeline endeavor, spanning 1,900 kilometers within Iran’s Chah Bahar region, as stated by Iran’s Consul General to Pakistan, Hassan Nourian, on Monday.
Nourian commended Islamabad’s steadfast “political determination” to finalize the project within Pakistan’s territory, a venture that has been dormant since 2014. Notably, Iran has already completed the laying of a 900-kilometer pipeline. The agreement to construct the pipeline, stretching from Iran’s South Fars gas field to Pakistan’s Balochistan and Sindh provinces, was inked in 2010. However, apprehensions of sanctions by the United States impeded its fruition.
“We observe a resolute political will from Pakistan to see this project through,” remarked Nourian during a “Meet the Press” session at the Karachi Press Club, as reported by Reuters.
The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project holds significant strategic importance, Nourian emphasized, despite its postponement due to international pressures.
Moreover, Nourian underscored the recent visit of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi to Pakistan as a pivotal stride in bolstering bilateral relations. During the visit, discussions centered on expediting bilateral trade via the Gwadar and Chah Bahar ports, prisoner exchanges, and other economic and political matters. Both nations also affirmed their commitment to counter terrorism and enhance security cooperation.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had earlier expressed optimism regarding the completion of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, affirming Pakistan’s capability to surmount obstacles in its path.
“Pakistan is fully capable of completing the [gas] pipeline project with Iran and will make decisions accordingly. We are constructing the gas pipeline on our side from Gwadar to the Iranian border,” stated Asif during an appearance on Geo News’ Capital Talk program preceding Raisi’s visit last month.
