India-Iran gas pipeline work may begin by 2007: Pak

Considering the size and magnitude of the project, both sides agreed to continue to interact with each other to develop a world class safe and viable project, he said. The minister said Pakistan and India have also constituted a joint working group (JWG) to exchange views and develop a commonly acceptable approach towards the project.

Pakistan is yet to take a decision in principle about which of the three pipelines it would opt for. Besides the IPI, Pakistan said it considered the feasibility of Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) pipeline and another pipeline from Qatar.

According to earlier announcements by prime minister Shaukat Aziz a decision on the matter had been promised by December 31.

The project has faced open opposition from the United States, which has expressed serious reservations due to its differences with Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The project has also faced security concerns as much of it would pass through southwest Balochistan province in Pakistan where paramilitary forces are battling nationalist rebels. The rebels often target gas pipelines.

Answering a question on the issue, Jadoon said there had been 20 attacks on gas pipelines in the country between January 2004 and June this year, resulting in losses to the tune of Rs 186.821 million. —PTI