The Pak-Iran gas pipeline is also known as the Peace Pipeline. It is under construction to transport natural gas from Iran to Pakistan.
Foundation:
The design was basically visualized by a young Pakistani engineer: Malik Aftaab Ahmed Khan in mid 1950s when one of his articles: Persian Pipeline was published by the Military College of Engineering, Risalpur. The article also mentioned the technique for its safety along the unfriendly territory by establishing mini battalion size cantonments along its planned route through Baluchistan/Sindh. In 1989, Rajendra K. Pachauri proposed the plan to both: Indian and Iranian governments. The government of Iran retorted to the proposal in an optimistic approach.
Controversies:
In January 2010, the U.S. asked Pakistan to dump the pipeline project. On withdrawing the project, Pakistan would get aid from U.S. for erection of a liquefied natural gas terminal and import electricity from Tajikistan through Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor. However, in March 2010, the agreement was signed between Pakistan and Iran. In July 2011, Iran publicized that it had accomplished the construction in its section and if Pakistan will be incapable of completing the construction of its section till 2014; it will have to pay a daily fine of $1 million till the construction.
Later in April 2012, it was reported that Pakistan was offered to deliver an alternative package by Saudi Arabia, if Pakistan gave up its co-operation with Iran. In May 2012, Pakistan announced that it will not give in to the US pressures and would complete the project at any cost. The project was then announced to be originating before October 2012 and be completed by December 2014. In January, US Consul General threatened Pakistan with economical sanction, if it does not discard the pipeline plan.
Current Situation:
Dispelling the foreign pressure over Peace Pipeline Project, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources informed the Senate that work was expedited on the project, and said that it would be completed by the end of 2013, which means that it would be accomplished before the scheduled time.
He stated that the pipeline would be laid along the coastal highway and two compressor stations would also be set up. The pipeline would provide electricity and gas to the close areas.
The minister said that there are 169 natural gas reservoirs in the country and that a much bigger gas reservoir was discovered at Zinc Block in Baluchistan. He clearly stated that Pakistan would not give up on the project.
Final Verdict:
As discussed above, the controversies are of real threat to the Peace Pipeline Project and many foreign countries provided Pakistan with different assistant offers and tried their level best to make Pakistan abandon the project. Yet, the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources claims that Pakistan will not abandon the project, and they are trying to make it accomplish before the scheduled time. Therefore, it is clear that the Peace Pipeline has many chances to become successful.
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