The reason I am raising this issue again is that European Union member countries and India are allowed to import oil and gas from Russia, facing sanctions. If those countries are not barred from buying energy products from a “Sanctions Ridden Country” why can’t Pakistan buy energy products from Iran?
For decades the United States is saying “Iran is busy in producing nuclear warheads”. However, it hasn’t come up with any credible proof. Many critics say it is a hoax call. They remind of the similar allegation against Iraq that was busy in production of weapons of mass destruction.
After United States, withdrew from JOCPA during Donald Trump era, the perception is getting credence that the super power considers Iran a hurdle in creation of its hegemony in the region, the major supplier of crude oil and gas.
There is also growing feeling among Pakistanis that due to the US pressure on the ruling junta the country not only stopped buying crude oil from Iran, but also stopped construction of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. The people privy to information also says that even supply of wheat and rice to Iran has been put on hold.
They refer to Iraq which was allowed to export oil under “oil for food program”.
The US is fully aware that Pakistan’s GDP growth being pegged due to looming energy crisis and the country needs low cost energy products immediately. However, Pakistan is not being allowed crude oil and gas from Iran.
The time has come Pakistan should assert itself and convince the US that buying energy products from Iran bodes well for Pakistan. If India can pay Iran in Rupee, Pakistan should be allowed to buy energy products from Iran against supply of wheat and rice.
