The News reported that Pakistan will have in the 2 day dialogue on energy issues, the formal response from Russia on laying down the Iran and Pakistan gas line which gets delayed because of Iran that is facing the international economic sanctions.

Iran is not only willing to provide USD 500 million but also agreed to provide 786 kilometers pipeline, gas compressors and block valves. However, Pakistan is wooing China and Russia to play their role in constructing the pipeline to increase the scope of ownership of the pipeline to reduce the pressure of international economic curbs.

During the crucial parleys, Mr Yury Sentyurin deputy minister for Energy of Russian Federation will head the 12 member Russian delegation whereas Pakistan’s side will be headed by Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources Ejaz Chaudhary.

Sources are claiming that there will be positive development in the expected Russian response on constructing the pipeline. During the talks at Moscow, Russia had given a go ahead signal to Pakistan for completing the project under a government to government arrangement but at the same time Russian company sought the setting aside of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority’s rules to complete the mega project for which international bidding is a must as per the PPRA.

It is pertinent to mention that China, which had earlier backtracked from being the financial adviser for laying down pipeline, had now shown willingness to become the EPCC contractor during the recent visit of President Mr Asif Zaradri to Beijing.

Source - The News.com

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