Pakistan under foreign pressure over Iran deal

[idune]

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Pakistan under foreign pressure over Iran deal

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:37:57 GMT

A senior Pakistani official reveals that two major western and Islamic states are exerting pressure on Islamabad to scrap its multi-billion-dollar gas deal with Iran.

The initial agreement of the $7.5 billion Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, also known as the Peace Pipeline, was signed in Tehran in May between the Iranian and Pakistani presidents.

Iran says that via the pipeline it will deliver eight billion cubic meters of natural gas to Pakistan annually.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Petroleum Asim Hussain told The News; "two powerful countries--one a Western power and the other an all important brother Islamic country--were putting pressure on Pakistan to ditch the project".

He did not disclose the name of the countries.

The official, however, insisted that the Pakistani government would not yield to the pressures to give up the plans and will go ahead with the project based on "mutual national interests''.

Hussain says "the Islamic brotherly country" asked Pakistan to reduce its "close ties with Iran because of other politico-religious differences".

The comment came as Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has asked the parliament to approve the vital project as Pakistan is in grave need of gas and electricity.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources is urged to prepare a feasibility report on the viability of bringing the gas pipeline through an underwater sea route.

The News says Galiani was briefed that "the sea route was comparatively more secure and also cost effective as it would not only save $2 billion but also reduce the pipeline stretch by 150 km".

Pakistan and India have been under pressures from Washington to abandon the deal.

Pakistan under foreign pressure over Iran deal

[Muhammad Yahya]

Pakistan has important strategic location , that is reason both iran and enemies of iran wanted to develop influence in politics of Pakistan.
We should develop national defence council for formation of national policies in longer intrest of Pakistan.

[Sky_123]

Pakistan should adopt a balance policy to maintain good relations with all countries including Iran and enemies of Iran and of all Muslim countries.
Not to allow any one to inter fear in our decision.
Sea route is more feasible then the land route because it will take less time (at least half) and there will not be any logistical problem. Big ships are available to install pipeline in sea but for Land route, we need proper highways and security will be a big problem.

[Patriot]

Well, we should stick to the deal if its good for economy.

[Zob]

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look i understand the arabs might be scared of IRAN...but for a minute who is the bigger enemy the JEWS or the SHIAS is the question the arabs should ask themselves ......& when will pakistan THINK for itself & decide what is GOOD for US not what is good for the WEST & the ARABS......the problem is our LEADERS are not sincere to PAKISTAN but are loyal only to MONEY!!!