Balochistan demands its share of IPI transit fee

Islamabad, Aug 27 : If sources in Pakistan Petroleum Ministry are to be believed, Balochistan has demanded its share in the transit fee for the part of the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline to be passed through the province.

The demand was made during a top-level meeting on August 18, the Daily Times quoted the sources as saying.

Baloch leaders have for long accused the successive federal government of adopting a step-motherly treatment in allocating development funds for the area.

Of the 900-km IPI pipeline to be laid in Pakistan, 787 kms would be laid in Balochistan (and the rest in Sindh), provincial representatives said, and Balochistan's share in the transit fee should be determined accordingly.

They also asked for the province's representation in talks on the project with India and Iran, added the sources.

They added that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had directed the ministry to address Balochistan's concerns and that the ministry had assured the provincial officials they would consider their demands.

ANI