Energy integration: US ratchets up pressure on Pakistan

US warns Pakistan not to pursue a multi-billion dollar gas pipeline project with Iran.

WASHINGTON: The US once again has ratcheted up pressure on Pakistan and warned not to pursue a multi-billion dollar gas pipeline project with Iran, even though it represents a measure of regional integration. Speaking at a news briefing, US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland expressed the US views against the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project and told reporters: “We don’t think it’s a good idea. We don’t think it’s a reliable route for Pakistan. We’ve also continued to have conversations about diversifying supply and other ways to do that.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2012.