Three key issues were raised regarding IP: 1) probability of
imposition of sanctions, 2) security of pipeline and 3) mobilizing funds for
the construction of pipeline. Initially Iran had offered to provide US$250
million loan to Pakistan but the ruling junta didn’t accept it under the
pressure of the US.
With the withdrawal of sanctions there remains no hitch
except security of pipeline, particularly the portion passing through Baluchistan.
If India-Pakistan relationships improve and India also agrees to join the
project the threats to pipeline will be minimized. It was often alleged that
the militants operating in Baluchistan were supported by anti-Iran and
anti-Pakistan elements.
Even since the talk began about import of LNG, I have been
the most vocal opponent. This opposition was mainly due to: 1) the pipeline is
a symbol of friendship between three countries - Iran, Pakistan, India) enjoy
common borders and also have connecting rail and road networks, 2) Pakistan
being deprived of huge transit fee, 3) mobilizing capital and 4) delicacies of the
technology.
As the entire scenario has changed the outlook and working
parameters have also changed. Pakistan could now seek funds from China, Russia
and multilateral financial institutions for the construction of the part of
pipeline passing through the country.
Despite the most fervent opponent of LNG import, I will
still not recommend abandoning LNG project and suggest completing the
construction of terminal in Karachi on top priority. However, the project
should be constructed by the private sector only without any involvement of the
government. This option is another option to boost availability of gas in
Pakistan to meet future requirements.
The top beneficiaries of enhanced availability of gas should
be industrial units (fertilizer plants and textile units) and not the power plants.
Burning gas at power plants is complete waste of this precious resource.
Pakistan should also expedite work on hydel power plants, which will also
enhance water storage capacities in the country.
Circular debt issue of power sector just can’t e resolved by
running power plants on gas. It could only be overcome by containing blatant
theft of electricity and recovering all each rupee of the outstanding amount running
into billions of rupees.
