Pakistani PM briefed on Iran gas line project

Islamabad, June 1, IRNA -- Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani was Monday briefed on Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline finalized last week to ensure regular and timely supply of gas to meet requirements of the country, officials said.

The Prime Minister had called a special meeting to review supply and demand of gas in the country and several options including the multi-billion Iran gas line also came under discussion, a statement from the PM’s office said.

On Friday Pakistan and Iran signed a "sovereign guarantee" agreement paving the way for the completion of a 7.5-billion-dollar gas pipeline project within the next four years.

The 900-kilometer pipeline will be between Asalooyeh, in southern Iran, and Iranshahr, near the border with Pakistan, and will carry natural gas from Iran's South Pars Field.

Pakistan's Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Syed Naveed Qamar and Secertary of the Ministry Kamran Lashari briefed the Prime Minister on the prevailing situation with regard to availability of gas and the increasing demand and also the Iran gas pipeline project, the statement said.

Originally the pipeline was planned between Iran, Pakistan and India but the latter withdrew from the project last year. Pakistan says it will welcome India to rejoin the project.

Pakistan and Iran signed the historic deal after 17 long years and the official terms it as peace agreement.

Islamabad says Iranian officials had assured them that they would complete the project between two-and-half to three years, ahead of schedule.

The deal says Pakistan will receive Iranian gas by mid-2014./end