Ali Majedi said Tehran has no obligation to finance the Pakistani side of the pipeline and also did not have the money. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Ali Majedi said Tehran has no obligation to finance the Pakistani side of the pipeline and also did not have the money, according to the Associated Press.
“Pakistani officials were told in recent talks that, given the sanctions, Iran is not able to finance construction of the pipeline (in Pakistan) and has no obligation to do so,” Majedi said in comments posted on Iranian oil ministry’s website, shana.ir.
He said Tehran will demand compensation if Islamabad failed to take Iranian gas by the end of next year.
Under a valid contract, Pakistan is required to finish construction of the pipeline on its territory by the end of 2014.
“If a contractor is chosen today and pipeline construction begins today, it will take four years to complete it. Should Pakistan fail to take gas by the end of next year, Iran will demand compensation under the terms of the contract,” Majedi said.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 15th, 2013.
COMMENTS (16)
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Threat proved valid,countdown has begun foreign investors and financers are running to their homes. Construction of gas pipeline in between Iran and Pakistan has become a Icon of high risk. Pakistan needs, financers and investors,American threat in the meanwhile has deteriorated the situation. further hypocrisy is under way.
After drones,United States has prepared second gift in form of economic threat in case Islamabad goes a head with pipeline project. America extending its approach to the Pakistani stockpile that is its prime target.
Hello Mr Prime minister, I suggest...under the bleak circumstances...pay full attention to domestic income from business, property and excise tax collection(using mr. Malik of Nadra maybe). That income after protection from corrupt party members is a jack pot several time more than any foreign aids. You are getting more than a billion every month from us expats you know. You were the man who said to regain lost National Honor from quit foreign aids....what happened to that slogan? Once you collect money from whole Pakistan...not just one corner of it. Start first to get the house in order only and nothing else. I mean the law n order, corruption, accountability and favouritism and issues of merit. Once the house is in order all else start to fall in place. Just make sure work on domestic improvement never stops.
@piddler: Human being created based on fear and greed. Every act of human being you find not beyond this ring.
You have raised a very important and sensitive question but targeting my viewse expressed in the current comments. I would like to say herein that presence of legitimate sources shouldn't interfare in the rights of others.
History is witness,large number of such personalities ruled over the world but were not involved in any crime or corruption.
Pakistan and Iran are the countries who shares common believes and ideology, for that purpose both states are enjoying cordial relations with each other. IPI gas pipeline is the product of those friendly relations that both states jointly to start up a project to benefit Pakistan and make it come over its energy problems. Its a fact that Iran has been under severe sanctions due to its nuclear program and now to some extent got relieved of sanctions by signing a deal with P5+1 states. As Iran has been under strict economic sanctions and it has become vulnerable to sustain its economic sector, Pakistani government being faithful partner to Iran should understand the economic conditions of Iran. On the other hand if Pakistan is unable to complete this project until the end of the year 2014 then Iran would demand compensation is something which is not digestible, how-come Iran be that much brutal towards Pakistan that it would ask for compensation from Pakistan in case of not completing the project by 2014. It seems to be a propaganda of some western power which is creating a trouble in between these two states.
@Sultan Ahmed: So if you were PM tell me were your going to get the $7.5 Billion to build the pipeline? In case you didn't notice Pakistan is essentially broke.
Et tu Khayyam!!
He said Tehran will demand compensation if Islamabad failed to take Iranian gas by the end of next year. . Looks like mutual contempt for the USA and chest thumping only goes so far. Next time around I suggest you hire independent qualified people to perform due diligence prior to signing such a commitment - might save you embarrassment and a bunch of money.
United States opposes the $7.5-billion project because it could violate sanctions imposed on Iran over nuclear activities Washington suspects are aimed at developing an atom bomb, although Tehran denies this. Be considered carefully,it is part of hypocrisy,Pakistan is facing gas short fall United States putting section of sanctions in the way prime objective of this act to put Pakistan into the crisis continuously so that Pakistan having bowl in hand seeking usaid and this policy is also attributed to the safe withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The countries having reservation on Iranian nuclear programm has agreed in principle and signed the agreement and now there should be no objection on deal of gas pipeline,In fact,hypocrisy is still underway.
Hard lessons learned by Iran from pakistan
Day one pakistan is not sincere to this project and they expect every thing free, free pipeline construction in pakistan terittory,free aid from US,China.Iran become fooled by constructing there side until pakistan border and now they are paying the price ! Pakistan have nothing to loose other than a penalty might be imposed by there non commitment.
Iran have to ask compensation from pakistan.We have to understand that pakistan is just playing gimmicks for the whole scenario.Hard earned money of our's, even under sanction should not be drained for the sake of impotent neighbour
In fact, there is hypocrisy behind the scene which undermining the process. There are two options on the table,dollar or Iranian friendship,Pakistan is giving preference to dollar. State Depart saying it has no objection on the construction of pipline What the white House really wante it is a matter of further consideration. According to the media voice,bilateral relations between the United States and pakistan has been strained due to ''Drone Policy''and now relations with muslim country iran is going to strained,what kind of foreign police of the newly elected government?not understand able.