Apart from the gas pipeline, the economist suggested, Pakistan should also try to sign a trade agreement with Iran with special focus on the export of rice and textile products and import of petroleum products and other goods. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD: Renowned economist and former finance minister Dr Hafiz Pasha considers Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline as the most viable and feasible project for Pakistan that needs to be completed at the earliest.
In an interview with Iranian News Agency (Irna), Pasha suggested that the IP gas pipeline should be the top priority in Iran-Pakistan relations. “This project has to be revived at the earliest because it is the most viable and feasible one for Pakistan,” he said.
Pakistani gas company set to emerge as key player on world energy map
Comparing with other energy projects including the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (Tapi) gas pipeline, Central Asia South Asia (Casa)-1,000 power supply and Qatar liquefied natural gas (LNG) import, Pasha called IP the most suitable for Pakistan.
“The price of gas to be supplied by the IP pipeline is very attractive and it should be the top priority for Pakistan,” he stressed. “I again insist the IP gas pipeline should be the top priority in Iran-Pakistan ties; we are importing LNG from Qatar, which is quite far away and provides expensive energy,” he said.
Energy supply: SNGPL requests OGRA for cut in gas tariff
The IP pipeline, once known as the peace pipeline, will cover a distance of 1,900 kilometres and bring natural gas from Iran to Pakistan. According to plans, initially it will bring 750 million cubic feet of gas per day, which will later be enhanced to one billion cubic feet per day.
Apart from the gas pipeline, the economist suggested, Pakistan should also try to sign a trade agreement with Iran with special focus on the export of rice and textile products and import of petroleum products and other goods.
Pakistan must look for multiple choices to secure energy supplies
“So far we don’t have any such agreement; we should take immediate steps to enhance trade with Iran after the removal of sanctions from Tehran,” he said. “Now new opportunities are emerging in Iran and being the neighbour, Pakistan should capitalise on the situation.” Saying that strong economic and trade ties were in the interest of both Iran and Pakistan, Pasha pointed out that the current bilateral trade volume stood less than the potential and capacity of the two countries.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2016.
Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
1713521455-0/Untitled-design-(9)1713521455-0-270x192.webp)
COMMENTS (2)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ