Arrangements have been made for the ceremony that would mark
the start of work on Pakistani portion of Iranian-Pakistani gas pipeline. This
is over 780 kilometer long and ran into snags due to pressure from the United
States and difficulties in mobilizing funds. This portion of pipeline is
estimated to cost US$1.5 billion and Iran has promised to provide one-third or
US$500 million. The portion of pipeline on the Iranian side has almost been
completed.
Pakistani leadership is showing determination and made it
clear that it would complete the venture. The country seems to be enjoying support
from China and Russia on this issue as since last two years Pak-Russia
relations have entered in new phase and China is Pakistan’s old dearest friend.
Lately, President Zardari has said Pakistan is a sovereign country and has the right
to pursue projects in national interest and does not intend to offend anyone
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Pakistani President
Asif Ali Zardari will jointly inaugurate the pipeline construction work today (Monday). The
ceremony will be held in the Iranian coastal city of Chabahar. Both the
presidents will also sign an accord for 400,000 barrel per day capacity oil
refinery to be established at Gwadar. Some of heads of states and other
dignitaries also expected to attend the ceremony.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Moazzam Ahmad Khan has said,"We
are not in a fix, we are very clear about it that the pipeline is in our
national interest being an energy deficient country," Khan said, while
hoping that the US would show "more understanding" on Pakistan's
decision to go ahead with the pipeline. "Yes, we know about their concerns
but hope our friends, including the US, will understand our economic
compulsions," said Khan.
Brushing aside concerns and pressures of the United States,
the spokesman said the whole world should realize that the project was being
commissioned purely to meet economic needs of the country and was being
executed by two sovereign states.
“The government is initialing this important project in view
of the energy requirements. The project will bring economic prosperity, provide
better opportunities to the people and help defeat militancy,” he said.
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