‘Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline deal to remain intact’
By IANSMonday, June 21, 2010
ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project will go ahead despite the UN sanctions on Tehran, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said.
Talking to reporters in Multan, he said that the government had struck the $7.5 billion pipeline deal with Iran keeping in view Pakistan’s energy requirements, Online news agency reported.
Qureshi’s comments Sunday came just a few hours after visiting US special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke warned Pakistan against the project.
“This agreement is in the interest of Pakistan and it will only see its interests and the international laws,” Qureshi said, expressing confidence that the pipeline agreement will not come under the ambit of the sanctions on Iran.
The pipeline was initially mooted to carry gas from Iran to Pakistan and India. India has not ruled out joining the project but says pricing and security issues have first to be addressed.
