look news india
Pakistan has decided to waive US sanctions against its billion-dollar pipeline project to get cheaper gas from neighboring Iran. The Petroleum Minister has given this information. According to reports, the Petroleum Minister said that the government will seek exemption from US sanctions for the billion-dollar Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. “We will seek exemption from US sanctions,” he told reporters. “Pakistan cannot afford restrictions on gas pipeline projects.”
did not ask for discount
This development comes after US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu recently said in a US Parliament hearing that Pakistan has not yet sought exemption for the 1,150 km long gas pipeline. Malik said the government will strongly raise Pakistan's case on technical, political and economic grounds at relevant forums including lobbying. He also expressed hope that the work on the project will start soon while fulfilling the obligations of the agreement with Iran. Malik's comments contrast with the stance of the Foreign Office, whose spokesperson told a press conference last week that there was no scope for negotiations or seeking exemptions with any third country.
India separated
According to the report, an official said that the caretaker government has delayed its request for exemption from US sanctions due to the changing geopolitical situation, although its draft has been finalized. Pakistan and Tehran signed a deal in May 2009 to supply 750 million cubic feet of gas per day from Iran's South Pars gas field for 25 years. Both the countries have to implement this project in their respective areas. India was initially involved in the project and named it India–Pakistan–Iran Gas Pipeline, but India later withdrew from it and it remains a bilateral project between Pakistan and Iran.
Iran worked
As per the agreement, gas supply through the project was to begin from January 2015. Iran has constructed more than 900 km of the pipeline, while the remaining 250 km is yet to be completed. In August last year, possibly due to US pressure, Pakistan temporarily halted the gas pipeline project. America imposed sanctions on Iran regarding its nuclear programs. If Pakistan does not implement the project, Iran will have the option to approach the Paris-based International Court of Arbitration.