Pakistan and Iran have a long-standing history of trade and cooperation, including the agreement for the import of natural gas from Iran. The Pak-Iran gas agreement was signed on May 23, 2009, between the two nations. This agreement has been a key aspect of Pakistan’s energy sector, as it has enabled the country to meet its growing energy demands.
The agreement was signed by the then-President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and then-Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. The initial agreement was for the import of 750 million cubic feet of natural gas per day (mmcfd) from Iran to Pakistan. The gas was supposed to be transported through the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, which has yet to be fully constructed.
The initial deadline for the completion of this project was set for December 2014. However, due to various delays and political issues, the deadline was extended. The project was then set to be completed by December 2021, but it still remains incomplete.
The Pak-Iran gas agreement has faced many challenges over the years, including the imposition of international sanctions on Iran. These sanctions led to the suspension of the project, as international companies were hesitant to invest in it. However, with the lifting of these sanctions in 2016, the project was once again put back on the table.
Apart from the delays in the construction of the pipeline, the agreement has also been plagued by political tensions between the two countries. These tensions have resulted in disagreements over the pricing of the gas, as well as the security of the pipeline.
Despite these challenges, the Pak-Iran gas agreement remains a crucial component of Pakistan’s energy policy. Pakistan is heavily reliant on imported natural gas, and the import of gas from Iran is seen as a cost-effective solution to meet the country’s energy needs.
In conclusion, the Pak-Iran gas agreement was signed on May 23, 2009. The initial agreement was for the import of 750 mmcfd of natural gas from Iran to Pakistan. While the project has faced various challenges and delays, it remains a critical aspect of Pakistan’s energy sector. The completion of the project will not only provide Pakistan with a much-needed energy resource but also strengthen the trade and economic ties between the two countries.
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