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Iran's oil minister says Pakistan not cooperating on gas pipeline

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Iran’s Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh says Pakistan is not cooperating on the construction of a much-delayed pipeline to pump natural gas to the country.

Iran says it has completed work on its side of the pipeline up to the border of Pakistan and is ready to deliver the gas but Islamabad has yet to start construction of the line on its territory.

“Pakistan has been falling short and is not cooperating on the construction of the pipeline,” state news agency IRNA quoted Zangeneh as saying Tuesday.

“It is likely that the US and Saudi Arabia have been doing some sort of sabotage,” the minister said, acknowledging a long-held view that Pakistan was under pressure to follow other options, including a proposed pipeline from Turkmenistan, nicknamed TAPI.

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/01/30/550683/Iran-Pakistan-gas-pipeline-TAPI-Saudi-Arabia
 
Iran dangles threat of $18bn penalty over pipeline project with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a new development, Iran has asked Pakistan to construct a portion of the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gasline project in its territory till February-March 2024, or be ready to pay a penalty of $18 billion.

The authorities in Tehran communicated this to the visiting Pakistan official delegation some three weeks ago, a senior official of the Ministry of Energy told The News. During the visit, Iranian authorities said that the US sanctions on Iran were illegal and Pakistan, under the revised agreement, was bound to erect the pipeline in its territory till February-March 2024. Iran had already completed part of the pipeline in its own territory from the gas field to the Pakistan border.

The Inter-State Gas Systems (ISGS) of Pakistan and the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) had inked a revised agreement in September 2019 for the construction of the gas pipeline between the two countries.

Under the revised accord, Iran would not approach any international court if there was a delay in the construction of the pipeline, and neither would Pakistan pay any fine to Iran till 2024. Pakistan would be able to construct its pipeline by 2024 after which it would have an intake of 750 million cubic feet of gas from Iran daily.

Now under the latest scenario, the official said, Iran reminded Pakistan about completion of the project by February-March 2024.

When contacted, a spokesman for the petroleum division admitted that a Pakistan delegation visited Tehran recently, but he opted not to disclose any information about the outcome of the visit.

Earlier, the officials said, Tehran had formally given a notice to Islamabad in February 2019 for moving an arbitration court for not laying down the pipeline in Pakistan’s territory in the stipulated time period under the IP gasline project, and threatened to invoke the penalty clause of Gas Sales Purchase Agreement (GSPA).

The GSPA was signed in 2009 for 25 years, but the project could not get shape. Almost 12 years have passed since the signing of the agreement, and the three-year construction period for the pipeline in Pakistani territory has been wasted. Under the agreement, Pakistan was supposed to lay down in its territory a pipeline of 781-kilometre from the Iranian border to Nawabshah under the GSPA.

Under the original agreement, Pakistan is bound to pay $1 million per day to Iran from January 1, 2015, under the penalty clause. And in case Iran moves an arbitration court, Pakistan would have to pay billions of dollars as penalty.

The project was to be implemented under a segmented approach meaning that Iran had to lay down the pipeline on its side and Pakistan had to build the pipeline in its territory. The project was to be completed by December 2014 and become functional from January 1, 2015.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1036021-iran-dangles-threat-of-18bn-penalty-over-pipeline-project
 
This pipeline would never be completed because the US and KSA are against this gas project. I hope Iran takes Pakistan to court and sue them heavily. No wonder Pakistan is such a poor and downtrodden nation. Iran spent huge amounts of money on the pipeline and brought the pipeline to Pakistan’ s border only for Pakistan to refuse building its part of the pipeline. If IP was completed, Pakistanis would get cheap gas! I hope we were honourable like India.
 
The members of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday urged the government to eliminate obstacles to completion of Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline Project to avoid the possible fine of $18bn in case of failure to complete the construction on its side by the next year.

According to an official handout issued by the National Assembly Secretariat, committee’s chairman Mohsin Dawar observed that despite sanctions on Iran, some of the regional countries have been granted waivers in doing oil trade with Iran, but Pakistan could not secure such waivers to engage in the beneficial oil trade relations with the western neighbouring country.

Urging the need for a robust diplomacy, he urged officials of the ministries of commerce and foreign affairs to aggressively pursue options to secure waivers on oil trade with Iran, like what India and China had done.

The committee members raised concerns about the inordinate delay in completion of Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline project and stressed as to why an agreement was concluded when it was not complied with. The members inquired about repercussions of Pakistan’s failure to complete the construction of gas pipeline on Pakistani side by the deadline of the agreement.

DAWN
 
Pakistan needs to make up their mind on this - making themselves look really stupid with these delays
 
The Public Accounts Committee expressed concern on Wednesday that Pakistan would have to pay a staggering amount of $18 billion in penalty if the country did not go ahead with the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project.

“The US should pay the penalty if it does not approve of Pakistan and Iran going ahead with the gas pipeline project. The USA will have to do away with double standards — being lenient with India in meeting its energy needs while punishing Pakistan for the same,” said Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Noor Alam Khan.

The observation came after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed the PAC through a letter that a meeting with the US ambassador would be arranged after his return from Washington.

The letter was in reply to a concern arising out from deliberations that the PAC held on March 1.

Dawn
 

Pakistan to seek US waiver for Iran gas pipeline project​

The federal government has decided to obtain a waiver of US sanctions on the Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline Project, aiming to fulfil contractual obligations with Iran.

The caretaker government opted to construct a portion of the 80-kilometre pipeline within its territory to preempt potential legal disputes with Iran in international courts.

Pakistan feared facing an $80 billion penalty if it lost the case in the international court, hence the decision to proceed with its portion of the pipeline while concurrently seeking a US waiver on sanctions related to the IP gas pipeline project.

In an informal conversation with journalists, Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik confirmed that Pakistan would request an exemption from the United States.

He expressed reservations about the increase in gas prices, stating, "Whether it's a decrease or increase in dollar prices, requests for increases come from companies." Malik added, "Only 25 to 27 per cent of citizens have access to gas, while over 70 per cent do not."

He emphasised that utilising locally-produced gas for power generation would bring the cost of electricity to Rs10 to Rs12 per unit, adding that the government aims to provide cheap electricity to the masses to conserve gas.

Regarding the imposition of sales tax on petroleum products, Malik stated, "I am not aware of the implementation of sales tax." He reiterated Pakistan's stance on seeking a waiver from the United States concerning the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project.

"We cannot bear American sanctions. We will present our stance to the US," Malik said. "Iran has been told multiple times that we need their gas. We want to complete this project but without any sanctions."

Malik highlighted the efficiency of six LNG power plants in Pakistan, stating, "These plants can be run on local gas, enabling cheaper electricity production." He emphasized the government's policy of providing a level playing field to all stakeholders in the energy sector.

"We have accumulated a circular debt of Rs5 trillion in the energy sector," Malik stated, emphasizing the need for reforms to alleviate the debt burden.

Source: The Express Tribune
 

US says it doesn't support Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project going forward​


The U.S. said on Tuesday it does not support a Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project from going forward and cautioned about the risk of sanctions in doing business with Tehran.

The Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, known as the Peace Pipeline, is a long-term project between Tehran and Islamabad, and has faced delays and funding challenges for several years. The pipeline would transport natural gas from Iran to neighboring Pakistan.

Iran and Pakistan had signed a five-year trade plan in August 2023 and set a bilateral trade target at $5 billion.

Pakistan's Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik said this week that his country was seeking a U.S. sanctions waiver for the gas pipeline from Iran.

"We always advise everyone that doing business with Iran runs the risk of touching upon and coming in contact with our sanctions, and would advise everyone to consider that very carefully," a U.S. State Department spokesperson told reporters in a press briefing.

"We do not support this pipeline going forward," the spokesperson added, saying that Donald Lu, the State Department's top official for South and Central Asia, had said as much to a congressional panel last week.

A few weeks ago, Pakistan and Iran engaged in ***-for-tat strikes when they exchanged drone and missile strikes on militant bases on each other's territory.

Washington's relations with Iran have been thorny for a long time and the U.S. has issued multiple rounds of sanctions on Iranian entities.

Officially allies in fighting extremism, Pakistan and the U.S. have had a complicated relationship over the years, bound by Washington's dependence on Pakistan to supply its troops during its long war in Afghanistan but plagued by accusations Islamabad played a double game.

Some Pakistani politicians have also accused Washington of meddling in Pakistan's domestic politics, charges that Washington denies.

www.straitstimes.com

US says it doesn't support Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project going forward

WASHINGTON - The U.S. said on Tuesday it does not support a Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project from going forward and cautioned about the risk of sanctions in doing business with Tehran. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com www.straitstimes.com
 
Man before IK I remember all British Pakistanis calling India a boot licker of the West, but when the time came, India chose itself buying gas from Russia and Pakistan chose US.
 
JaDed said:
Man before IK I remember all British Pakistanis calling India a boot licker of the West, but when the time came, India chose itself buying gas from Russia and Pakistan chose US.
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British Pakistanis live in their own domestic bubble in the UK where they probably assume Indians in the subcontinent are the same as UK based Indians who like to pride themselves on integrating. They won't be aware of Pakistan establishment relations with western powers, and need to remember here that Pakistan establishment is not necessarily a reflection of the people as elected leaders are always deposed.
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
British Pakistanis live in their own domestic bubble in the UK where they probably assume Indians in the subcontinent are the same as UK based Indians who like to pride themselves on integrating. They won't be aware of Pakistan establishment relations with western powers, and need to remember here that Pakistan establishment is not necessarily a reflection of the people as elected leaders are always deposed.
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Don’t worry whether its Indian Brits or Pakistani, everyone is obnoxious.

Pakistani Establishment has always been backed by Pakistan’s cricketers to majority of the demographics, only recently after 2022 it went down.
 
Looks like USA is once again sending out clear signals that Pakistan needs to toe the line. Not to be taken lightly as proxy wars all over the world may testify.
 
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JaDed said:
Don’t worry whether its Indian Brits or Pakistani, everyone is obnoxious.

Pakistani Establishment has always been backed by Pakistan’s cricketers to majority of the demographics, only recently after 2022 it went down.
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It’s an interesting phenomenon where all pak expats have pretended them and pak swam were always against the establishment even though it’s a 2 year old phase
 
Pakistan is too indebted to the States and Saudi to even consider building this pipeline which would benefit Iran.

They would need total support and a guarantee from China that they would step in to repay Saudi loans as well as finance the pipeline to go ahead on this project.
 
rpant_gabba said:
It’s an interesting phenomenon where all pak expats have pretended them and pak swam were always against the establishment even though it’s a 2 year old phase
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True. Army was seen as the only functioning institution for a very long time.
 
JaDed said:
Man before IK I remember all British Pakistanis calling India a boot licker of the West, but when the time came, India chose itself buying gas from Russia and Pakistan chose US.
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Pak has been a puppet of the West since it's existence.
 
Sad to see Pakistan being bullied into backing out of this project. Energy security is paramount for any country, having an energy rich neighbour chomping at the bit to export supply and not taking advantage of that is about as pathetic as it comes.
 
US has a habit of poking its nose in every other country's matter. For once, Pakistan should be looking towards their own people rather than being a leave of US.
 
gazza619 said:
correction, Pakistani generals, not Pakistan.
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Sorry I meant indebted in the literal sense of the term as in owe massive amounts of money to not spiritually in which case you're right- it's the Pakistani establishment and generals who're practically tied at the hip to the States and the Saudis. The money on the other hand is owed by the nation and every citizen of Pakistan.
 
Pak-Iran pipeline: US says helping Pakistan address energy crisis a priority

The United States has stated that “helping Pakistan address its energy shortage crisis is a priority” for Washington.

The Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline is a long-term project between Tehran and Islamabad, and has faced delays and funding challenges for several years. In February, the government had decided to start building an 80-kilometre segment of the pipeline, extending from the Iranian border to Gwadar, to ward off $18bn potential penalties from Tehran.

On Tuesday, Washington had said that it did not support the gas pipeline project from going forward and cautioned about the risk of sanctions in doing business with Tehran.

The remarks had come after Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik had said that Islamabad would seek exemption from US sanctions over the gas pipeline project.

“We will seek exemption from US sanctions. Pakistan cannot afford sanctions in the gas pipeline project,” Malik had told journalists during an informal chat.

This was in contrast to the stance put forward by the Foreign Office, whose spokesperson told a press briefing last week that there was no room for any discussion or waiver from a third party.

The issue had become a hot topic after US diplomat Donald Lu, during a detailed testimony before a US House subcommittee , said that Washington was committed to preventing the construction of the pipeline. It was here that Lu noted that Islamabad had not applied for a waiver for any US sanctions that may be attracted by the project.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, US State Department’s spokesperson Matthew Miller was asked about the US warning regarding the pipeline as the reporter highlighted that “it seems like United States left it at nowhere to meet up with energy crisis”.

In his response, Miller said that helping Pakistan address its energy shortage crisis was “a priority for the United States”.

“We have supported the addition of approximately 4,000 megawatts of clean energy capacity in Pakistan. Our projects have dramatically increased the nation’s electricity capacity, today powering the homes of millions of Pakistanis,” he said.

“Additionally, through the United States-Pakistan Green Alliance — a transformative initiative between our two countries — we are working together to address today’s most pressing environmental challenges, especially around water management, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy,” he said

SOURCE: DAWN
 
JaDed said:
Man before IK I remember all British Pakistanis calling India a boot licker of the West, but when the time came, India chose itself buying gas from Russia and Pakistan chose US.
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It's pretty much been the case throughout. Our foreign policy has been , successfully, much more independent .

Historically , Pakistan has been all too willing to be paid to be America's lieutenant in South Asia.

All that American largesse comes at a cost, though

At this point, Pakistan really should throw the kitchen sink and just defy Washington and build bridges with Iran and Russia and at least reduce the cost of oil and gas imports .

20 % inflation is crippling and will destroy the country in the long run.
 
I appreciate Zardari for openly stating that we need to prioritize our relations with Iran instead of blindly following the USA.

The USA cannot provide us with natural gas, which is a necessity for us. So, our basic needs should come before pleasing the USA. Even if sanctions are imposed, we can still survive within the Iran bloc. Besides, what benefits have we gained from Europe and America so far? Only destruction.
 
FearlessRoar said:
I appreciate Zardari for openly stating that we need to prioritize our relations with Iran instead of blindly following the USA.

The USA cannot provide us with natural gas, which is a necessity for us. So, our basic needs should come before pleasing the USA. Even if sanctions are imposed, we can still survive within the Iran bloc. Besides, what benefits have we gained from Europe and America so far? Only destruction.
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There is a a lot to gain from expanding cooperation and economic ties with Iran, energy independence being first and foremost. However, it’s highly unlikely given how indebted Pakistan is to the IMF and to the U.S. Given the current regime are U.S. slaves, I highly doubt anything is going to happen irrespective of what Zardari has to say.
 
offstump said:
There is a a lot to gain from expanding cooperation and economic ties with Iran, energy independence being first and foremost. However, it’s highly unlikely given how indebted Pakistan is to the IMF and to the U.S. Given the current regime are U.S. slaves, I highly doubt anything is going to happen irrespective of what Zardari has to say.
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And especially how close Zardari is to the US lol. The entire reason this disgusting party survives is because of such support. PPP has spent 2 decades lobbying heavily in the US. Billo has met countless US officials last 10 years on official and some not so official visits.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
It's pretty much been the case throughout. Our foreign policy has been , successfully, much more independent .

Historically , Pakistan has been all too willing to be paid to be America's lieutenant in South Asia.

All that American largesse comes at a cost, though

At this point, Pakistan really should throw the kitchen sink and just defy Washington and build bridges with Iran and Russia and at least reduce the cost of oil and gas imports .

20 % inflation is crippling and will destroy the country in the long run.
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Or alternatively they could throw their lot in with the US and Europe 100% and just go all in with the ideology changes that western countries also demand to be part of the deal.
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
Or alternatively they could throw their lot in with the US and Europe 100% and just go all in with the ideology changes that western countries also demand to be part of the deal.
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Won't be a popular decision domestically. And they'll have to toe the line with respect to Ukraine/Russia , Israel/Palestine etc
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Won't be a popular decision domestically. And they'll have to toe the line with respect to Ukraine/Russia , Israel/Palestine etc
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Indeed. That's why I said it means going all in 100%, that's the only way USA operates, you just have to look at South Korea to see that. They have done very well for themselves but there's probably a reason why they have a significant Christian population. I imagine LGBTQ compliance would also be high on the agenda.
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
Indeed. That's why I said it means going all in 100%, that's the only way USA operates, you just have to look at South Korea to see that. They have done very well for themselves but there's probably a reason why they have a significant Christian population. I imagine LGBTQ compliance would also be high on the agenda.
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Have to agree with you on this, there's been a massive change in South korea's religious demographics after allying with the us
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
Indeed. That's why I said it means going all in 100%, that's the only way USA operates, you just have to look at South Korea to see that. They have done very well for themselves but there's probably a reason why they have a significant Christian population. I imagine LGBTQ compliance would also be high on the agenda.
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Christianity and LGBT would be the least of Pakistan's issues. South Korea became a manufacturing hub and that export led growth was part of the East Asian miracle.

I'm not sure Pakistan can adopt that model anymore especially with competition from Vietnam and others vying for labour arbitrage etc.
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
Or alternatively they could throw their lot in with the US and Europe 100% and just go all in with the ideology changes that western countries also demand to be part of the deal.
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I don't think that's a viable strategy any more. The days of the US throwing money around to achieve vague strategic goals are pretty much gone. For example, they're struggling to get funding to Ukraine when that war is obviously hugely useful to them - bleeding one of their key adversaries dry economically and casualty-wise at minimal cost and risk to themselves.

Pains me to say it as an Indian but Pakistan's future is pretty likely to be as a Chinese vassal state. There's already realization about this at various levels in the Pakistan government and bureaucracy but I think the generals still have some attachment to the US (and the UK) since their careers and fortunes were mostly built on US money and armaments.

How this partnership will work between a country built on religious principle and one which is aggressively anti-religion is difficult to say. I don't think it'll be a huge issue since China is not really looking to proselytize any specific ideology whether religious or political. On the flip side though, China just doesn't have and isn't likely to have the kind of money that the States did in the latter half of the 20th century so it won't be throwing it around as freely and as a still developing country itself is likely to look out more aggressively for it's own economic interests first before helping even it's closest allies.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Christianity and LGBT would be the least of Pakistan's issues. South Korea became a manufacturing hub and that export led growth was part of the East Asian miracle.

I'm not sure Pakistan can adopt that model anymore especially with competition from Vietnam and others vying for labour arbitrage etc.
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Christianity shouldn't be an issue anyway for Pakistan, there is already a sizeable Christian population there. The biggest issue for Pakistan would be the geography of throwing in everything with USA/Europe. This is something I never approved of as a Brit either, I think we should have remained part of the EU because logistically they are our most obvious partners for trade/transport etc. I don't know if this was a consideration for India in refusing to boycott Russia even while fluttering their eyelashes at the USA, but I think you always need some co-operation with surrounding nations above those in different continents.
 
Red-Indian said:
I don't think that's a viable strategy any more. The days of the US throwing money around to achieve vague strategic goals are pretty much gone. For example, they're struggling to get funding to Ukraine when that war is obviously hugely useful to them - bleeding one of their key adversaries dry economically and casualty-wise at minimal cost and risk to themselves.

Pains me to say it as an Indian but Pakistan's future is pretty likely to be as a Chinese vassal state. There's already realization about this at various levels in the Pakistan government and bureaucracy but I think the generals still have some attachment to the US (and the UK) since their careers and fortunes were mostly built on US money and armaments.

How this partnership will work between a country built on religious principle and one which is aggressively anti-religion is difficult to say. I don't think it'll be a huge issue since China is not really looking to proselytize any specific ideology whether religious or political. On the flip side though, China just doesn't have and isn't likely to have the kind of money that the States did in the latter half of the 20th century so it won't be throwing it around as freely and as a still developing country itself is likely to look out more aggressively for it's own economic interests first before helping even it's closest allies.
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Agree, see above. Other than that, the main reason for keeping the US onside is they will create a lot of trouble if they feel any nation is impeding their own strategy for Asia. Right now they are going after China hard, it remains to be seen how that will affect other countries who were previously seen as US proxies in the region shifting allegiances to China.
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
Agree, see above. Other than that, the main reason for keeping the US onside is they will create a lot of trouble if they feel any nation is impeding their own strategy for Asia. Right now they are going after China hard, it remains to be seen how that will affect other countries who were previously seen as US proxies in the region shifting allegiances to China.
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Thinking it through

The US has traditionally been more generous moneywise i.e. requires less return for it's money to it's allies (vassals) but demands more compliance ideologically and strategically.

China so far is less generous economically - loans at a healthy interest rate rather than loans to it's allies (vassals) but so far demands far less compliance ideologically and it remains to be seen what they'll demand strategically. So far, they don't really seem to have demanded anything at all. They've been very inward-looking. More bark than bite strategically.

Both (despite America's protests to the contrary) seem to prefer to deal with authoritarian stable governments rather than chaotic democracies.

Best to stay away from the likes or Russia & Iran since they'll be worse off both ways - be less generous economically AND demand more strategically/ideologically.
 
Red-Indian said:
Thinking it through

The US has traditionally been more generous moneywise i.e. requires less return for it's money to it's allies (vassals) but demands more compliance ideologically and strategically.

China so far is less generous economically - loans at a healthy interest rate rather than loans to it's allies (vassals) but so far demands far less compliance ideologically and it remains to be seen what they'll demand strategically. So far, they don't really seem to have demanded anything at all. They've been very inward-looking. More bark than bite strategically.

Both (despite America's protests to the contrary) seem to prefer to deal with authoritarian stable governments rather than chaotic democracies.

Best to stay away from the likes or Russia & Iran since they'll be worse off both ways - be less generous economically AND demand more strategically/ideologically.
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Sorry meant Grants rather than the loans where I bolded above.
 
Red-Indian said:
Thinking it through

The US has traditionally been more generous moneywise i.e. requires less return for it's money to it's allies (vassals) but demands more compliance ideologically and strategically.

China so far is less generous economically - loans at a healthy interest rate rather than loans to it's allies (vassals) but so far demands far less compliance ideologically and it remains to be seen what they'll demand strategically. So far, they don't really seem to have demanded anything at all. They've been very inward-looking. More bark than bite strategically.

Both (despite America's protests to the contrary) seem to prefer to deal with authoritarian stable governments rather than chaotic democracies.

Best to stay away from the likes or Russia & Iran since they'll be worse off both ways - be less generous economically AND demand more strategically/ideologically.
Click to expand...

China themselves need allies in the region, Pakistan should have plenty of bargaining power to get a sweeter deal than most, especially given the logistics. But depends who's doing the deals I guess, if it was a negotiator who had to represent the nation and was answerable for it, then you would expect the best deal going. If it's a shadow establishment with some General doing the negotiations who looked something like my avatar, then a few million bucks in my offshore account would swing a better deal for China no problem. :waqar
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
China themselves need allies in the region, Pakistan should have plenty of bargaining power to get a sweeter deal than most, especially given the logistics. But depends who's doing the deals I guess, if it was a negotiator who had to represent the nation and was answerable for it, then you would expect the best deal going. If it's a shadow establishment with some General doing the negotiations who looked something like my avatar, then a few million bucks in my offshore account would swing a better deal for China no problem. :waqar
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Yeah it's tricky for Pakistan. To start with, it's difficult to get a good deal from China because they don't want much and what they do want (like natural resources), Pakistan presently doesn't have. At least the US wanted stuff like support in the 'war on terror' that Pakistan could give. On top, as you say, Pakistan doesn't seem to have competent, clearly mandated negotiators.

It's a pity because India and Pakistan will again end up on opposite sides for the foreseeable future.

Despite it's coy flirting with Russia (and to a lesser extent with China), India's going to have to move increasingly into the camp of the US, Europe & Co. We're already economically pretty tied and are getting increasingly militarily tied with stuff like the AUKUS maritime exercises.

Despite some pangs for it's old flame - the States, Pakistan's obviously aligning with China, Russia and Co. Economically it's already very integral to the Belt and Road initiative and I guess they've already started joint military exercises though Russia's yet to join them.

It'll be a strange few years as we swap our historic dancing partners. I hope we don't end up fighting their battles. Pakistan has in the past and paid for it. If India has to have some conflict with China/Russia either military or economic, I hope it's on our own behalf not on the States/Europe's.
 
Iran, Pakistan commit to resolving gas pipeline issues

With the aim of increasing trade and energy cooperation, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs and Diplomacy Mahdi Safari committed on Thursday to resolve the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline issues amicably.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Pakistan and Iran enjoyed historically strong bilateral ties that were based on shared values, similar cultures, the same religion, and being neighbouring countries.

He reaffirmed his commitment to extending parliamentary support to further deepen these ties by supporting cooperation in energy, trade, and business, and especially by creating synergy among the private sectors of both nations. The speaker expressed these views during his meeting with the Iranian Parliamentary Delegation led by Mahdi Safari, Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy, and Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam at Parliament House Islamabad.

A statement issued here by the NA said that while emphasising the need for streamlining cooperation in the private sector, the speaker said that both nations had vast opportunities for enhancing trade and business by managing border markets, increasing import-export volume, resolving Iran-Pakistan gas pipe line issues, working on Gawadar-Chahbahar as sister projects, and bringing the parliaments of both nations closer. The Speaker reiterated his commitment to cement parliament-to-parliament contacts between both nations by reviving the Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) and encouraging the mutual visits of lawmakers of both nations.

Mahdi Safari, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs and Diplomacy, extended warm felicitations to Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for his successful election as Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan. He said that both nations had vast opportunities to explore in the business, trade, and energy sectors. He also said that issues related to the Iran-Pakistan Gas Project needed to be resolved amicably, along with enhancing border trade and cooperation in the energy sector.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
Govt announces to revalidate survey for Pak-Iran gas pipeline project

Sources close to the development revealed that preliminary groundwork has already been set in motion by the Petroleum Division.

The Petroleum Division asserted the needs for re-evaluation survey of the pipeline before starting the development.

To bolster the surveying and engineering facets of the pipeline, consultations are underway to enlist the services of experienced consultants.

Resources within the Petroleum Division highlight the nature of the existing survey is antique and engineering design, emphasized the need for modernization and recalibration of the project.

In its initial phase, the ambitious undertaking aims to lay down an 80-kilometer pipeline stretching from the port city of Gwadar to the Iranian border.

Pakistan is taking all possible steps to avoid a possible $18 billion fine, sources added.

arynews.tv

Govt announces to revalidate survey for Pak-Iran gas pipeline project

LAHORE: In a significant development, Pakistan's Petroleum Division has announced plans to revalidate the survey for the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif says that Pakistan has decided to complete the Iran gas pipeline project. They are building their part of the gas pipeline from Gwadar to the Iranian border

Talking to private TV, he said that there was an incident with Iran but now the relations are stable.

Khawaja Asif said that the effects of Israel-Palestine war will go all over the world, the big countries that are supporting Israel will also be engulfed by this fire. While it will have an impact on Pakistan as well.

Khawaja Asif said that the embassy of a sovereign country was attacked by Israel, after which Iran had full right to act.

He further said that Pakistan has good relations with Saudi Arabia and UAE.

In response to a question, he said that the opposition's fight is for power share, because Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Mehmood Achakzai and others were with us in the previous coalition government.

Hum News
 
Iran president Raisi to visit Pakistan on 22nd

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is scheduled to visit Pakistan on April 22 for a two-day trip, according to sources.

The visit comes amid escalating tensions in the region following Iran's recent drone and missile strikes on Israeli territory.

During his visit, President Raisi will hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.

Discussions are expected to cover topics such as border security, the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, trade, economic cooperation, and mutual areas of interest.

The meetings will also address the broader regional situation and the Iran-Israel conflict. The visit signifies ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen their cooperation, following a temporary setback earlier this year.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that the Iranian president's visit is imminent.

In January, tensions between the two countries escalated after Islamabad, in retaliation to Tehran's cross-border strikes, carried out precision strikes to target terrorists inside Iranian territory.

Later, foreign ministers of the two countries held talks in Islamabad days after their military moves raised concerns about wider instability in the region since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on Oct. 7.

Pakistan's caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, speaking at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian, said the neighbours had several strong channels of communication with each other.

"All these channels were operational and we were able to bring whatever issue or misunderstanding that had been created between our two countries, we were able to resolve it fairly quickly," he said.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 

Iran hails Pakistan's political determination to complete gas pipeline project​

KARACHI: Iran has hailed Pakistan's political determination to complete the gas pipeline project between the two countries, which has been facing delays.

Iran's Consul General to Pakistan Hassan Nourian on Monday said that Tehran and Islamabad "are looking at ways to complete the project but international pressure is causing delays".

The comments came during a “Meet the Press” session at the Karachi Press Club, where the Iranian official interacted with journalists.

He said that the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline "project holds great importance".

"We see political determination from Pakistan to complete the project," he added.

The two countries signed the agreement to construct the pipeline from Iran's South Fars gas field to Pakistan's Balochistan and Sindh provinces in 2010, but work on Pakistan's portion has been held up due to fears of US sanctions.

Nourian further said that the recent visit of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi to Pakistan was a significant step in bilateral relations between the two countries.

On the visit, he said, the two sides had discussed expediting bilateral trade through Gwadar and Chah Bahar ports, prisoner exchange and other economic and political affairs.

Both the countries agreed to control terrorism and security cooperation as well, he added.

Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had expressed confidence in completion of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, saying that the obstacles in its way will be removed.

“Pakistan is in a position to complete [gas] pipeline project with Iran, and makes decision regarding it.

“We are constructing gas pipeline on our side from Gwadar to the Iranian border,” Asif said while speaking on Geo News' Capital Talk programme ahead of Raisi's visit last month.

The 1,900 kilometre (1,180 mile) pipeline was meant to supply 750 million to one billion cubic feet per day of natural gas for 25 years to meet Pakistan's rising energy needs.

Tehran says it has invested $2 billion to construct the pipeline on its territory. Pakistan, however, did not begin construction, citing international sanctions on Iran as the reason.

In 2014, Islamabad asked for a 10-year extension to build the pipeline, which expires in September this year. Iran can take Pakistan to international court, industry watchers have said.

Faced with potential legal action, Pakistan's caretaker administration this year gave the go ahead in principal to commence plans to build an 80km segment of the pipeline.

In March, Islamabad said it would seek a US sanctions waiver for the pipeline. The US, however, said it did not support the project and cautioned about the risk of sanctions in doing business with Tehran.

Pakistan, whose domestic and industrial users rely on natural gas for heating and energy needs, is in dire need for cheap gas with its own reserves dwindling fast and LNG deals making supplies expensive amidst high inflation.

Iran has the world's second-largest gas reserves after Russia, according to BP's Statistical Review of World Energy, but sanctions by the West, political turmoil and construction delays have slowed its development as an exporter.

Source: GEO
 

Can’t be dictated: FM Dar rules out US reservations on Pak-Iran gas pipeline​

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday said the country could not be dictated and would consider only its own interests in decision-making, ruling out reservations of the United States on the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline.

Responding to a question on the project during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, FM Dar said: “We have to watch our interests, look at our commitments and the government has to make decisions while keeping Pakistan’s interest in mind about what we will do, when will we do and how will we do [no matter] what the US or other countries say.

“It can’t be dictated on us and neither will we allow anyone to use veto. Pakistan is a sovereign country and the way we respect others’ sovereignty, we expect the others to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty,” the deputy PM said.

The US has maintained that it does not support the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project from going forward and cautioned about the risk of sanctions in doing business with Tehran.

FM Dar added that the government would accordingly decide the matter.

Dar said the Iranian president’s visit to Pakistan was very productive.

www.dawn.com

Can’t be dictated: FM Dar rules out US reservations on Pak-Iran gas pipeline

Says the government must prioritise its interest and commitments when making decisions; says Saudi crown prince to visit Pakistan soon.
www.dawn.com
 
Petroleum minister denies $18bn penalty in Pak-Iran gas pipeline project

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, ARY News reported.

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.


arynews.tv

Petroleum minister denies $18bn penalty in Pak-Iran gas pipeline project

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Petroleum Musaddik Malik on Wednesday refuted reports of Iran imposing an US$18 billion penalty on Pakistan for not completing the
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Cricket Warrior said:
Petroleum minister denies $18bn penalty in Pak-Iran gas pipeline project

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, ARY News reported.

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.


arynews.tv

Petroleum minister denies $18bn penalty in Pak-Iran gas pipeline project

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Petroleum Musaddik Malik on Wednesday refuted reports of Iran imposing an US$18 billion penalty on Pakistan for not completing the
arynews.tv arynews.tv
Click to expand...
LOL
No consideration for a fellow Islamic country. No brotherhood concept when it comes to money? What about the ummah concept? 🙂
 
When 18 billion dollary doos are involved.. ummah can take a hike.
But why is Pakistan obeying USA here?
deltexas said:
LOL
No consideration for a fellow Islamic country. No brotherhood concept when it comes to money? What about the ummah concept
Click to expand...
 
hoshiarpurexpress said:
When 18 billion dollary doos are involved.. ummah can take a hike.
But why is Pakistan obeying USA here?
Click to expand...
Hope this is not a serious question. Pak will obey everything the US says. Or as in Rumsfeld's words after 9/11 - if you don't obey us, we will bomb you back to the stone age. And guess what Musharraf did?? He obeyed the US like a faithful servant and used the force to hunt the Taliban militants down when infact they were originally nurtured by the Pak establishment.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
deltexas said:
Hope this is not a serious question. Pak will obey everything the US says. Or as in Rumsfeld's words after 9/11 - if you don't obey us, we will bomb you back to the stone age. And guess what Musharraf did?? He obeyed the US like a faithful servant and used the force to hunt the Taliban militants down when infact they were originally nurtured by the Pak establishment.
Click to expand...
yup and drone bombed the daylights out of his own Population for Dollars. Pakistan is a rentier state and will live on Khairat of the Saudis/Americans and now China.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Disgraceful for Pakistan to cheat Iran like this. If they fail to pay up which they would, Iran will teach them a lesson. Iranians may be delusional about a lot of things but they have pride and a smaller nation like Pakistan cannot mess with them like that
 
Bhaijaan said:
Disgraceful for Pakistan to cheat Iran like this. If they fail to pay up which they would, Iran will teach them a lesson. Iranians may be delusional about a lot of things but they have pride and a smaller nation like Pakistan cannot mess with them like that
Click to expand...
The thing is where can Iran go? All International Institutions are controlled by America/Israel controlled.
Only place is OIC, but that is the most useless organisation in the world.. even worse then UN.
 
Pakistan is a puppet of USA and will do everything that they say. This pipeline can benefit he general public so Pak govt is not serious about it. Simple.
 
hoshiarpurexpress said:
The thing is where can Iran go? All International Institutions are controlled by America/Israel controlled.
Only place is OIC, but that is the most useless organisation in the world.. even worse then UN.
Click to expand...

Iran’s recovery is their problem.
But this will dent Pakistan’s non existent reputation even further as an unreliable, fraud defaulter in the international market.
 
At a time where Pakistanis hope for cooperation with Iran, their government is refusing to pay Iran for the damages worth billions of dollars they have incurred as a daily of Pakistan government’s utter unprofessionalism. Iran has no other option but to go to China and Bharat for this.
 
This is international politics, it’s not a joke.

Geopolitical cooperations are built on vested interests but backed by trust. Pakistan needs to evaluate its foreign policy. Their only so called allies are nothing but donors who have vested interests in the region and are merely using Pakistan as a pawn.

It’s not online forum where you can get away with idiotic delusional comments.
 
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