Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline

TAXILA: The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline deal is a constructive step. It will improve bilateral relations between the two states and end Pakistan’s energy crisis. According to reports, the imported gas will be allocated to the power sector, which takes 20 per cent of Pakistan’s current gas production’s volume, enabling Pakistan to overcome its power shortage.

The deal also carries enormous geo-political implications for both countries. Recently, the surge in the activity of coalition forces in southern Afghanistan, on Pakistan’s western border, has become a cause for concern. The larger American presence in Balochistan is sending waves of discomfort and tipping the region’s power balance. If unchecked, it may have serious implications for the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2010.