Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ghulam Sarwar Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan is fully committed to implement Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project without any foreign pressure.
He expressed these views during a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost who called on the Minister here Wednesday, said a press release.
“Pakistan is committed to implement IP gas pipeline project, which was unfortunately delayed in the past due to international sanctions” he said. The Minister said the IP gas project is top priority for Pakistan more than any other gas pipeline project.
The minister and the Ambassador have agreed to have a meeting of working group on IP gas pipeline before the Minister’s visit to Iran. Ghulam Sarwar has accepted the invitation to visit Iran. “Iran and Pakistan agreed to enhance bilateral trades”, he added.
Ghulam Sarwar acknowledged the cooperation offered by Iran in areas of electricity supply to coastal areas. He said that both countries needed more cooperation and investment in areas of energy and petroleum.
The Ambassador congratulated the Minister on behalf of Iranian Petroleum Minister on assumption of new responsibilities. He termed IP gas pipeline as a game changer for the region.
The Ambassador informed the Minister that other countries are willing to cooperate in construction of IP gas pipeline. He also offered cooperation in government to government deal in the area of import of petroleum products to curb the smuggling.
