September 07, 2008

China may join IPI project – Pakistan

Mr Farrukh Qayyum secretary of the ministry of petroleum of Pakistan said that China may join the IPI gas pipeline project. He added that Islamabad has no objection to the Chinese proposal of transporting gas from Iran to China through its land.

Pakistan and China are currently repairing the Karakoram Highway, which connects Pakistan to China, following one of the ancient silk routes along the Indus. Chinese authorities said that they are ready to lay a pipeline along this highway to transfer Iran's gas through Pakistan.

Mr Qayyum said that the possibility of Iran, Pakistan and China cooperating on such a venture is very high. He pointed out that while the Pakistan India section of the agreement is not yet finalized, Pakistan is ready to sign a bilateral agreement with Iran if it becomes necessary.