Pakistan, Iran finalize gas pipeline deal

Islamabad, Apr.28 : Pakistan and Iran on Monday resolved all issues regarding the gas pipeline that is to run from Iran to India via Pakistan.

A formal agreement in this regard would be signed soon in Tehran. Iran also agreed to provide 1100 MW of electricity to Pakistan to help it overcome the shortage, particularly in areas adjoining Iran.

Iran also gave a positive response about the Pakistani proposal for allowing a gas pipeline through its territory to provide gas to China, along the historic Karakoram Highway, to help it meet its growing industrial needs.

President Pervez Musharraf and his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held talks for over an hour at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, and also deliberated on their bilateral ties, issues faced by the region and the Islamic world and the trilateral cooperation between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan with a view to bringing peace and stability to the region.

The two leaders first held an exclusive meeting and later joined by their respective delegations.

Sources said that the talks were positive and covered all aspects of their wide-ranging relationship.

The two leaders said the IPI project would promote peace and friendship, sources said and added that the two foreign ministers have been tasked to agree on a mutually convenient date for signing the agreement.

Both the leaders expressed satisfaction over there solution of all issues that had delayed a final agreement and hoped the project will help meet future energy needs of Pakistan.

According to The News, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf attended the talks where as Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchar Muttaki and trade minister Masud Mir assisted Iranian president during talks. Trade Minister Shahid Khakan Abbasi belonged to Muslim League-N did not attend the talks in presidency despite invitation.

ANI