Gas pipeline: Pakistan, Iran to discuss IP project progress today

Technical, legal and financial experts to take part in the two-day meeting.


August 27, 2012

ISLAMABAD: In an apparent bid to expedite work on the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project, a group meeting of the two sides will be held today (Monday) to review the progress on the project.

A special Iranian team would participate in the two-day coordination meeting on the IP gas pipeline project that would commence in the federal capital. The joint working group comprises experts from technical, legal, financial and commercial sectors who will work out details with respect to the implementation of the mega project.

Sources said that these negotiations were crucial because if both sides were to reach an agreement during these talks, Iran would also offer to provide material for the project. Earlier, Iran committed to providing $250 million for the project through its commercial banks.

Engineering design of the project has been completed by a German firm who has given an estimated cost of the project. However, sources informed that this cost may also be reduced if local companies were encouraged to participate in the project.

The IP project would facilitate the import of 700 mmcfd gas every day through 2,100 km of pipeline and is expected to help curb the current energy crisis in the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2012.

COMMENTS (3)

imran | 11 years ago | Reply

waste of time... we dont even have US500 million dollars to build our side of pipeline.. must look for alternative renewable energy sources....solar energy, wind energy, biomas energy and energy from the waste ...

@AsifKhokher | 11 years ago | Reply

Gas reserves in Pakistan are depleting and after 2018 we will be 50% short in supply of our demand. This pipeline is like a life line for Pakistan and must be carried out at every cost. We are not going to get any good alternate either from America or other country in case we drop this project. Even if we keep the current progress pace, we would get the first gas only in the end gas 2015. We will also save minimum of US$ 1 Billion of annual import bill by importing Gas as an alternate to furnace oil. This is all about Pipeline Politics of next generation. Energy Pipelines are going to play important role in the international diplomacy and regional politics. This is a challenge to Pakistan as American are planing to halt this project and may go for some adventurism in Baluchistan along the border with Iran. Any military action there will give them access to Gwadar Port from Afghanistan and isolate Pakistan from Iran.

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