2024-04-23 19:24:05
Islamabad: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is currently on a visit to Pakistan. He has reached Pakistan on the invitation of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari. The visit is expected to lead to wide-ranging discussions on a range of issues ranging from security cooperation to free trade agreements. The most important discussion during the meeting of the two leaders will be regarding the long-awaited Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline. If Pakistan completes the gas pipeline project with Iran, it will have to face US sanctions, while if it does not, it will have to pay a huge fine of $18 billion. In such a situation, this gas pipeline project for Pakistan has become like a well in front and a ditch in the back. Recently, America has made its intentions clear by imposing sanctions on four foreign companies related to Pakistani ballistic missile program.
Iranian President reached Pakistan amid crisis
Iranian President Raisi has reached Pakistan at a time when his country is facing a serious crisis from Israel. Late last week, Iran rained missiles and drones on Israel in retaliation for the attack on its consulate in Damascus. Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, senior commanders of Iran’s elite Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), lost their lives in the Damascus attack. Since then, fears of Iran’s retaliation were being raised. Now after this, a few days ago, Israel also carried out air strikes targeting military installations near Isfahan city of Iran. However, Iran did not pay much attention to the Israeli counter-attack.
Gas pipeline will become lifeline of Pakistan
It is believed that President Raisi’s visit will focus beyond bilateral concerns on the tensions between Iran and Israel as well as Israel’s attack on Gaza. However, amid this geopolitical turmoil, a ray of hope emerges for the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline. Amidst the current global environment, Pakistan is in great need of this pipeline. For this reason, Pakistan, ignoring the American sanctions, has started work on an 80 km long part of its country. However, most of its 1172 km portion falls in Iran, the construction work of which is still pending.
Why is Iran’s gas pipeline important for Pakistan?
Former Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir emphasizes the urgency of prioritizing Pakistan’s interests. He said: “If Pakistan has to give priority to its interests, the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline will be completed. Given Iran’s abundant gas resources and our urgent need, there is no justification for delay. A foreign policy focused on prioritizing relations with neighbors is essential.” Pakistan is going through a serious natural gas crisis. 69% of Pakistan’s reserves have been exhausted and 78% of households do not have access to natural gas. In such a situation, Pakistan will have to complete this deal with Iran at any cost.
America’s threat regarding gas pipeline with Iran
US officials have consistently opposed the gas pipeline between Iran and Pakistan, exerting significant economic pressure on Pakistan. Recently, US Secretary of State spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated the US stance against the project. He has warned of possible sanctions if involved in trade with Iran. Meanwhile, if Pakistan fails to prioritize completion of the gas pipeline project, it faces the threat of a hefty fine of $18 billion – three times its current foreign exchange reserves.