By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government has decided to approach the upcoming US administration for the waiver of sanctions on the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project.
According to sources, Pakistan plans to seek an exemption from these sanctions to avoid potential economic repercussions.
The government is emphasizing that the gas pipeline project with Iran is a critical step toward securing affordable energy for the country, and it is therefore necessary to revisit the issue with the new US administration.
Sources with the Pakistan government indicated that the project is currently facing challenges due to the imposition of sanctions, making it essential for Pakistan to negotiate carefully.
Pakistan’s authorities are working on securing an exemption from these sanctions, which would allow the project to proceed without violating US restrictions, the sources said and added that although delays have not been caused by Pakistan, the project has been significantly affected by the sanctions imposed by the US.
Additionally, efforts are being made to convince Iran that a middle path could be found to move forward with the project while addressing the concerns of all parties involved. The Pakistani government aims to ensure that the project proceeds without running into obstacles that could affect the country’s energy security and economic interests.
Earlier, Minister for Petroleum Musaddik Malik on Wednesday refuted reports of Iran imposing an US$18 billion penalty on Pakistan for not completing the gas pipeline project.
Speaking to media persons, Musaddik Malik said that Iran never mentioned $18 billion penalty on Pakistan. “I am not aware of where this figure of $18 billion came from. I have reviewed all the files and documents, and there is no mention of the said amount anywhere,” the petroleum minister added
Musaddik Malik also refused to comment on the current status of the Iran-Pakistam gas pipeline project.
“I will be able to comment after consulting with the Attorney General of Pakistan,” the petroleum minister added.
Earlier on March 21, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to Iran Pakistan gas pipeline project as Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that it is the sovereign decision of the Pakistani government to move forward on the project. During her weekly news briefing, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch responded to the queries of the media persons regarding US congressional hearing. She made it clear that at this point there is no room for any discussion or waiver from any third party for the construction of the pipeline inside Pakistan’s territory. She said Pakistan has also conveyed to the US authorities the importance of this project for its energy security.
