ACCORDING to media reports, the much-talked about and crucial project of North-South Pipeline is facing uncertain future due to differences over mode of its implementation between Pakistan and the Russian Federation. It is believed that the Company presently nominated by Moscow to implement the project could attract sanctions from the United States and Pakistan is urging for provision of sanction-free entity.
Given the level of goodwill that exists between the two countries especially during the last several years, it is hoped that the snag in the execution of this much-delayed project would be removed and the dream of a North-South Pipeline would become a reality at the earliest. But the most important aspect of the issue is that Russia is willing to provide necessary funding for laying of the pipeline that is so vital for the economy of Pakistan. In fact, Moscow has demonstrated its readiness to enter into closer economic partnership with Pakistan and this is evident from repeated assertions made by the Russian leadership expressing willingness to assist in implementation of regional energy projects like TAPI and CASA-1000 that have much relevance for Pakistan’s economy. There are reasons to believe that Russia has made overtures off and on indicating its keenness to strengthen strategic, military, political and economic relationship with Pakistan. It signed defence and naval cooperation agreement with Pakistan, provided Mi-35M attack helicopters and is carrying out regular military drills with Pakistan despite consternations in India. On the political and geo-strategic side, the two countries are now coordinating closely on Afghan issue and Russia’s stance on the issue of Kashmir has also underwent somewhat change with Moscow urging resolution of the ‘dispute’ through bilateral talks between Pakistan and India as against full-throttled support to Indian position in the past. There is great scope for mitigating Pakistan’s economic and other challenges if we steadfastly move ahead to strengthen and diversify ties with Russia.
