American Opposition to Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project
During a press conference in Washington on Tuesday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that America does not support the Pakistan-Iran Gas Pipeline project, and warned that engaging in business with Iran may result in being subjected to US sanctions.
This statement was made in response to a question about the gas pipeline project between Pakistan and Iran.
Matthew Miller was asked if Assistant Secretary Donald Lowe had previously stated that the US opposed Pakistan’s decision to initiate work on the gas pipeline project with Iran. Miller replied that he would not discuss potential sanctions during the briefing but emphasized that doing business with Iran poses a risk of being subjected to US sanctions.
On March 21, 2024, Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project during a weekly press briefing.
The spokesperson emphasized that the pipeline is being constructed within Pakistan’s territory and that the government is dedicated to completing the project.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Donald Lowe expressed his opposition to the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project during a subcommittee meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Washington DC.
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Donald Lowe stated that the US is working to halt the construction of the pipeline, citing concerns about potential financial penalties for Pakistan if it proceeds with the project.
The primary objective of the project was to supply gas from Iran to both Pakistan and neighboring India. However, the project has been stalled due to international sanctions imposed on Iran.
The US has consistently opposed the project and expressed concerns that Pakistan may face financial penalties if it continues with the pipeline’s construction.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division announced plans to construct a pipeline from the Iranian border to Gwadar in the first phase.
The terms of the agreement include a provision that either party may be required to pay a financial penalty if it fails to complete its part of the pipeline by the specified deadline.
It is worth noting that on February 23, the caretaker Cabinet Energy Committee approved the construction of an 81 km pipeline from the Iranian border to Gwadar.
Attack on Chinese Engineers
During the press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the attack on Chinese engineers in Pakistan, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of life and injuries.
He emphasized that the Pakistani people have suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists and that Chinese citizens in Pakistan have also been victims of terrorist attacks.
Letter from Islamabad High Court Judges
When asked about the letter written by Islamabad High Court judges to the Supreme Judicial Council, Matthew Miller stated that he had not read the letter and needed more time to comment on it.
The letter, written by six judges, expressed concerns about intelligence agencies interfering in the judiciary and called for a judicial convention to address the issue.
American Opposition to Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project: A Threat to Regional Energy Cooperation
The recent statement by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, expressing opposition to the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project, has sparked concerns about the future of this critical energy cooperation project. The project, which aims to deliver 750 million cubic feet of gas daily to Pakistan, is considered a significant opportunity to mitigate the country’s energy crisis [[2]]. However, the US has been vocal in its opposition to the project, citing concerns about potential financial penalties for Pakistan if it proceeds.
The Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project, also known as the “Peace Pipeline,” has been in the works for several years. Originally envisioned as the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline, the project was reduced to a bilateral agreement between Iran and Pakistan after India pulled out in 2008 [[1]]. Despite the challenges, Pakistan has remained committed to the project, with the government reaffirming its dedication to completing the pipeline in a recent press briefing [[3]].
The US opposition to the project is not surprising, given its long-standing tense relations with Iran. However, the threat of US sanctions has serious implications for Pakistan’s economy, which is already struggling to meet its energy demands. The US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Donald Lowe, has expressed concerns about potential financial penalties for Pakistan if it proceeds with the project, citing the risks of being subjected to US sanctions.
The US opposition to the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project raises questions about the country’s commitment to regional energy cooperation. The project has the potential to not only address Pakistan’s energy crisis but also promote economic cooperation between Iran and Pakistan. The US should consider the long-term benefits of such cooperation and refrain from imposing sanctions that could undermine regional stability.
the American opposition to the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project is a setback for regional energy cooperation. However, Pakistan’s commitment to the project remains unwavering, and the government is determined to complete the pipeline despite US opposition. The international community should support Pakistan’s efforts to address its energy crisis and promote regional cooperation, rather than imposing sanctions that could undermine regional stability.
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