Abdul Hadi Mayar Islamabad
As Iran has served a final notice on Pakistan for its failure to meet its commitment on Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, the former prime minister and a central leader of Pakistan People’s Party, has asked President Asif Ali Zardari to seek report from the Ministries of Energy and Foreign Affairs regarding the delay.
In a statement, Ashraf also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hold talks with US officials at the earlier to alleviate Iran’s reservations in this connection.
Pakistan and Iran had, during the first tenure of Asif Ali Zardari as President, signed an agreement in June 2009 to lay the pipeline that would supply 750 million cubic feet per day of Iranian gas to Pakistan.
Under a 2019 revised package, Pakistan was made bound to lay its 785-kilometer long portion of the pipeline by February-March 2024. Later, Iran further extended this period till September 2024.
In its final notice, Iran has said that it is left with no other option but to approach the Paris Arbitration Court next month.
Under the French law, Iran will lose its right to take a legal action against Pakistan if it does not avail its right within the stipulated time that expires next month.
