The United States wants Islamabad to abandon the project because of sanctions
against Iran over its controversial nuclear program, but Pakistan has insisted
it is vital in helping to overcome a debilitating energy crisis.
Pakistan
and Iran signed a deal in 2010 in which Tehran would supply natural gas to its
eastern neighbor from 2014, with sales to reach 750 million cubic feet (21
million cubic meters) to one billion cubic feet per day by
mid-2015.
Pakistan, which produces just 80% of its own electricity needs,
has presented the USD7.5 billion gas project as a partial answer to the energy
crisis, which has led to blackouts and has suffocated industry. mrcplast.com |