Pakistan Analysts Favors Iran Gas Line

Islamabad, April 20, IRNA - Speakers at a conference on gas pipeline projects were unanimously agreed that Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project was in the best interest of Pakistan to overcome the serious shortage of energy. The potential and prospects of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project were discussed in the conference organized by Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on Friday. Nazir Hussain, Assistant Professor, QAU told the conference that the future of Iran-Pakistan (IP) was very bright as related to Pakistan. He said that Pakistan was highly reliant on gas which constituted over 34% of the resources used for electricity generation. In the wake of huge gap between supply and demand, Pakistan can meet its 75% of energy need through IP project and which would be available for 20 years. He also threw light on the possibility of extension of IP to China. He said that Pakistan could become an ‘Energy Corridor’ in the region due to its crucial geo-strategic location. The IP would cost $3billion to Pakistan but it would reduce oil imports by $5.3 billion, and help buy oil for another $2.3 billion, thus saved. Gulfaraz Ahmed, former Federal Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, said that Pakistan was a big gas market having number of opportunities for energy production. He said that he was convinced that if Pakistan did not opt for pipeline projects then it would have even more serious consequences. Talking about the labyrinth of conflicting interests of regional and global powers he mentioned that Iran is vied for gas pipeline to Pakistan which could eventually be extended to India. Answering a question he said that there was greater probability of success of the IP project. Technically and economically, China could be roped in the pipeline projects, though it would be a big challenge. However, China has a capacity to meet those challenges. Ambassador (Retd) Khalid Mehmood said that Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project was crucial for Pakistan. Regional problems can be solved by the implementation of such win-win projects. He further said “We all had to look after our national interests”. Noor-ul Haq, Acting President, IPRI said that Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project is akin to a peace project and would enable Pakistan to pull itself out of darkness./end